In a stark reflection of the decline in Pakistan’s once-dominant hockey legacy, the national team has been forced to travel to the Asian Champions Trophy in China using tickets purchased on loan. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti recently disclosed this concerning situation, highlighting the financial turmoil that has gripped the federation and the national sport.
Desperate plea for Government support by Pakistan Hockey Team
Amidst the growing financial difficulties, Bugti has made an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a special grant to revive the nation’s hockey programme. “Hockey is not being given the status and respect that this national sport deserves. There is a dire need to focus on the national game now,” Bugti said as per ‘Dawn‘, expressing frustration over the lack of attention and resources allocated to hockey.
Despite being Pakistan’s national sport, hockey has been overshadowed by other sports, leading to a decline in both performance and infrastructure.
Decline of Once-Great Nation in Pakistan Hockey Team
Pakistan’s hockey team, once a powerhouse in the sport with four World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals, now faces significant challenges. The team failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a low point in the history of Pakistani hockey. The current situation reflects the broader decline of the sport in the country, which has been plagued by financial mismanagement and neglect.
The PHF is under pressure not only to support its national team but also to address internal issues. Bugti mentioned that the federation would take strict action against those attempting to create parallel federations, a move that underscores the administrative challenges within Pakistan’s hockey structure.
The PHF is also seeking to regain control of the Edhi Hockey Stadium, with plans to establish the federation’s authority there.
Asian Champions Trophy Travel Woes and Warm-Up Draw vs China
The financial struggles were further highlighted by the team’s arduous journey to Hulunbuir City, China, where the Asian Champions Trophy is being held. After their flight from Beijing was cancelled, the team had to endure a gruelling 300-kilometre road trip to reach their destination.
Despite these challenges, the team managed a 4-4 draw in a warm-up match against China, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
Pakistan’s goals came from Sufyan, who scored twice from penalty corners, along with contributions from Abdul Rahman and Emad Butt. The team will now face stiff competition from other top Asian hockey nations, including India, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, as the tournament gets underway from 8th to 17th September.
Future uncertain as Financial Pressures mount
The financial crisis within the PHF is severe, with tickets for the team’s travel to China being purchased on debit, and players and officials still waiting for their travel allowances. The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has promised to reimburse the federation for these expenses, but the delay has further strained the already fragile situation.
The PSB’s refusal to fund a training camp for the under-18 baseball team, citing financial difficulties, adds to the concerns about the future of sports funding in Pakistan. The dire financial situation raises questions about the sustainability of not just hockey but other sports in Pakistan as well.
As the Pakistan hockey team competes in the Asian Champions Trophy, they do so under the shadow of financial instability and organisational challenges. The once-mighty giants of hockey are now battling not just their opponents on the field, but also the crippling realities of their financial situation.
