Khokhar, Shahbaz promise to put Pakistan hockey back on track

KARACHI: Pakistan’s new hockey chiefs on Wednesday promised to put the country’s national game back on track soon after a controversial official stepped down in Islamabad.
Rana Mujahid, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary who was part of the PHF set-up that many blame for the recent setbacks suffered by Pakistan hockey, announced his decision to resign.
He was quickly replaced by legendary Shahbaz Ahmed with PHF’s new president Brig Khalid Khokhar announcing that with the help of his new team will try to usher in a new and more successful era for Pakistan hockey.
“Pakistan hockey has been in a bad state for years and we will sincerely endeavour to revive our lost glory in this great sport,” Khokhar told ‘The News’ from Islamabad.
Meanwhile, former Olympian Rashid Jr was appointed the national chief selector on Wednesday.
A major shake-up in the PHF setup was always on the cards after the national team’s failure to qualify for Rio Olympics to be held next year.
“I have submitted my resignation to the newly-elected PHF president, I think it is time for me to say goodbye,” Rana said.
Secretary IPC Mohammad Ejaz Chaudhry — who was also present on the occasion — appreciated Rana’s decision and said that he had set a trend for others to follow.
“His decision to resign has raised his credentials. He has shown others how to serve the game in real spirit,” he said.
The outgoing secretary hoped that his successor will contribute for betterment of hockey in the country.
President PHF Brig (retd) Khalid Khokhar announced the appointments of Shahbaz and Rashid at a press conference in Islamabad.
He also appreciated Rana’s services for game.
“His contributions to the game will be remembered for a long time,” said Khalid.
The PHF boss also said that work is underway to lay a blue astroturf in the country.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed secretary Shahbaz, while talking to ‘The News’, said that as he would try his best to streamline Pakistan’s hockey affairs at both domestic and international level.
“I am sure that with help and cooperation from all stakeholders, I will be in a position to make the difference,” he said.
Shahbaz added that he will use his international connections to bring foreign teams to Pakistan.
He will address a press conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore next Wednesday.
The newly-appointed selection committee includes: Rasheed Junior (chief selector), Saeed Khan, Farhat Khan, Shahbaz Junior and Waseem Feroz.
Junior team management: Tahir Zaman (head coach), Zeeshan Ashraf (assistant coach) and Mohammad Irfan (assistant coach).