ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group on Thursday signed a sponsorship agreement aimed at promoting hockey and encouraging greater youth participation in the sport.
The signing ceremony at Islamabad was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Vital Group’s Mian Asad, national team players and former Olympians.
Ahsan Iqbal said hockey was a symbol of Pakistan’s national identity and the country had the potential to regain its lost glory in international hockey.
He said talented young players were being encouraged to help restore Pakistan’s golden era in the sport, adding that the national team must once again raise the country’s flag on the international stage.
He said that private-sector support would play an important role in developing sports and motivating athletes, stressing that financial security would allow players to focus on their performance rather than worrying about meeting their expenses.
“A player’s focus should be on how to score the next goal, not how to meet his expenses,” he said.
Ahsan also highlighted the growing importance of science, technology and data in modern sports, saying physical fitness, mental strength, discipline and consistent training were essential for international success.
He offered the national hockey team the use of the National Sports City in Narowal as a permanent training base, saying the facility provided international-standard facilities for 14 sports at one location.
He added the government was taking steps to provide hockey players with modern training facilities and a supportive environment.
PHF chief Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the federation would take all possible measures to promote hockey and would work with private sponsors to strengthen the sport.
He added that the agreement with Vital Group was an important step towards advancing hockey in Pakistan and expanding opportunities for young people.
Mashhood said public-private partnerships were essential for sports development and noted that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had specifically mentioned a proposed hockey league in his budget speech.
He said the government had restored departmental sports and was providing athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
Mashhood also said a large number of Dutch players would be available for the Pakistan Hockey League, expressing confidence in efforts to strengthen the country’s hockey structure.
Pakistan, a former powerhouse in international hockey, has been seeking to revive its fortunes through improved training, institutional support and greater investment in the sport.