PHF hails Khokhar’s nomination as president

KARACHI: The Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appointed former hockey player and manager Brig (rtd) Mohammad Khalid Khokhar as the president PHF, the federation confirmed on Friday.
In a statement issued on Friday, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said that Khalid was a celebrated hockey player and a former official, who served national team in different capacities.
The new PHF president was the captain of the Pakistan Army team from 1973-84. In the company of former greats Manzoor ul Hasan and Munawar Zaman, he emerged as the highest goal scorer in three consecutive National Hockey Championships (1980-82).
He was also selected amongst the national team probable but failed to make the final cut for the national side after being shadowed by stalwarts like Manzoor and Munawar at full back position.
In company of former greats Rasheed Junior, Akhtar Rasool and Sami Ullah Khan he attended the national camps on numerous occasions.
He was the first hockey official ever to have raised the voice for third umpire when he was the manager of the national team during 2002 World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur. The need arose when Pakistan was robbed of certain goal-scoring opportunities against Germany.
Khalid managed national team for around three years. During his era as the manager, Pakistan has the honour of winning seven-nation hockey tournament. He also served as national selector and was appointed as chairman PHF Disciplinary Committee. He had also served as Director General Army Sports Board where he contributed in streamlining Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) affairs from 2000-2003.