Senate body discusses Narowal Sports Complex, PHF

ISLAMABAD: A whopping amount of Rs 1200 million, being spent on the construction of sports complex in Narowal, surprised Senate Standing Committee on Inter-provincial Coordination that opined that diverting majority of the government development funds to single project is unjust.

Chairman Committee Senator Saud Majeed questioned about the hefty amount set forth for a single project. The committee also floated the idea of making Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) a separate board. “Like cricket, PHF should also be made a board.” Secretary PHF Shahbaz Ahmad who was also present on the occasion said that federation required two weeks time to get back to committee on the issue.

The committee also supported the plea to release funds to PHF after receiving the audit report of the funds given to federation previously. Under the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) constitution, no fresh funds could be issued to any federation unless and until authentic audit report is submitted.

The PHF official revealed that federation has reached an agreement worth Rs 250 million for Pakistan Hockey League that would be organised shortly. IPC Minister Riaz Pirzada said that efforts would be made to keep hockey away from politics. “Politics only spoils the game. Efforts should be made to keep hockey out of politics.”

Riaz Hussain Pirzada stressed the need to improve hockey standard in the country. “There is a dire need to work on the youngsters technique. There is a need to revive hockey with all out efforts. It is a national game and of late we are not getting encouraging results at international level.”