Senate body not happy with PHF’s performance

ISLAMABAD: The members of Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and ministry officials joined hands on Friday to slate Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) poor performance that resulted in a record fall in the game’s standard both domestically and internationally.

Contrary to the claims of federation’s officials, Senate Committee Chairman Sardar Yaqoob Nasir and secretary IPC Akbar Durrani were furious on the falling standard of the game and on federation’s inability to stem the rot.

“The standard of the game of hockey has seen a record fall in recent years. In fact it has already fallen to a point of no return. Barring cricket all the other games are falling behind but the game of hockey has seen a record fall,” Senator Yaqoob said.

The committee chairman also expressed his displeasure over the handling of funds by the PHF.

“The federation has been given record funds during the last three years, yet results are not coming.”

He questioned for how long this stalemate would continue. “For how long the game of hockey would be allowed to sink further.”

The IPC secretary on the occasion revealed that the government had doled out over Rs550 million to the federation during the last over three years. Sindh government had also given another Rs100 million to the federation. Yet the PHF continues blaming lack of funds as the reason behind this downfall.”

This entire amount is apart from the rental amount of Hockey Club of Pakistan and the sponsorship amount the federation has received during these years.

“The PHF officials always look willing to receive extra money but when we ask them as where the amount has been spent, the officials get worried and say that such questions are equal to government’s interference in the federation’s matters.”

Akbar Durrani said it would be difficult for the government to help the federation further under the given circumstances. “There is no point in extending any further help to a team or federation that finished 12th in the World Cup.”

The Senate committee also backed the completion of Public Sector Development Programme projects including Narowal Sports Complex that has consumed Rs2,250 million.

The IPC secretary added that there were solid proofs of corruption in construction of the complex. “A few former Pakistan Sports Board officials are already under investigation.”

The committee members as well as the IPC secretary said that the project must be completed. “The project has already consumed huge finances. The required amount should be sanctioned for its completion,” he said.