Pak hockey players face economic dilemma

LAHORE: All the sports activities in the world are suspended due to coronavirus and hockey leagues around the globe too have been postponed increasing economic difficulties for Pakistani hockey players participating in those foreign events. Around 20 to 25 national hockey players feature in several hockey leagues taking place in Europe and several other countries. But with the disrupted sports fields, each Pakistan hockey players were hit hard suffering losses of around Rs 2.5 to 3 million. Dutch Hockey League Holland, German League included Australian League, Malaysian League, Hong Kong Premier League, Nada’s Vancouver Premier League, Spanish League, English League and Belgian Premier are the leagues in which national players featured. Most Pakistani players take part in Malaysian and Hong Kong leagues and around 30 Pakistani players take part in Dutch, German, Spanish and Belgian Premier Leagues. The English, Australian and Russian hockey leagues include 20 players. The PHF has issued NOC for players contracted for different leagues. The leagues were postponed as players were about to begin their departure to Australia and Hong Kong. Given the current situation, two Pakistani hockey players are still in HK.