Pakistan Navy continued its journey of sports promotion in its own ranks as well as at the national level by successfully organising the 4th Chiefs of Naval Staff All-Pakistan Hockey Championship in Lahore.

The 10-day prestigious event, organised and patronisesd by the Pakistan Navy, concluded with the, Pakistan Navy hockey team emerging as the champions by overcoming Mari Energies in the final at the National Hockey Stadium Lahore.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the final of the event as the chief guest.

Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Commander Pakistan Navy Central Punjab Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie and Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Admiral Naveed Ashraf congratulated the winning team and appreciated the efforts put in by tournament organisers, Commander Central Punjab Pakistan Navy, Sports Board Punjab, Pakistan Hockey Federation, various sponsors for their support in conducting the tournament in a befitting manner.

He hoped that this tournament will certainly contribute in raising the public interest in the national game and also urged the public and private organisations to come forward for its revival.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf reiterated his resolve to keep on promoting and patronising sports in the ranks of Pakistan Navy as well as at national level.

The chief guest gave away the team and individual prizes to the winners and the top performers of the event.

Zakria Hayat from Pakistan Navy was declared the best player of the tournament while Ahmed Nadeem and Abdullah Ishtiaq from Mari Energies emerged as the best scorer and best goalkeeper respectively.

Rana Waleed of Pakistan Navy emerged as player of the final for his all-round performance.

The ten-day long tournament was held from September 25 to October 4at the iconic National Hockey Stadium Lahore in which total eight teams from across the country including Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Mari Energies, Rangers, Police, Port Qasim and National Bank of Pakistan took part. The purpose of this tournament was to promote the national game of hockey, which is on the decline for over two decades.

A large number of civil and military dignitaries, former Olympians, students and masses witnessed the thrilling final.

It may be added here that the 4th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) All-Pakistan Hockey Tournament provided a timely opportunity for Pakistan hockey team which is all set to feature in the upcoming FIH Global Pro League.

Moreover this event was held ahead Pakistan’s national hockey team’s embarking on a decisive journey towards the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with a three-match series against Bangladesh scheduled in Dhaka this November.

Meanwhile renowned Olympian Tahir Zaman, being chief at one of the 4th CNS Championship matches, praised the players’ passion, discipline and of course the quality of game displayed at the event. He said the quality of the game reflected the revival of national spirit in this game.

He also commended Pakistan Navy’s role in promoting the sport: “Pakistan Navy deserves full credit for consistently supporting and organising top-level hockey events. Their commitment to national sports development is truly commendable.”

Shahbaz applauds PHF leadership for Pakistan hockey’s global aspirations

Former Pakistan hockey captain Shahbaz Ahmad Senior had also words of praise for Pakistan Navy for organising and patronising Chief of Naval Staff All-Pakistan Hockey Tournament.

He was of the view that Pakistan Navy had provided a good opportunity and platform for national hockey promotion and its revival.

Earlier Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie, Commander Central Punjab while inaugurating the tournament as chief guest had highlighted hockey’s historic significance as Pakistan’s national sport and underscored the tournament’s role in reviving interest among youth.

It may be recalled that launched in 2016, the Chief of the Naval Staff Hockey Tournament has grown into a fixture on the national hockey calendar. Pakistan Navy’s commitment to nurturing sports at both national and international levels continues to offer athletes meaningful opportunities for development and exposure.

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