The nationwide initiative will provide hockey kits and structured activities to schools as part of the federation’s grassroots talent development strategy.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has approved 881 schools across 62 districts under its nationwide School Hockey Development Program, marking a major step toward strengthening the sport at the grassroots level.
The federation has also extended the registration deadline for participating institutions until August 23, according to a PHF press release. The initiative aims to increase school-level participation while creating a structured pathway for identifying and developing promising young hockey players.
Under special instructions from PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, complete hockey kits will be supplied to all approved schools within two to three weeks. Provincial hockey associations and sports boards will assist with the distribution process to ensure the equipment reaches institutions across the country.
Of the 881 approved schools, 802 are public-sector institutions, while 79 belong to the private sector. Public schools therefore make up around 91 percent of the total, highlighting the program’s emphasis on expanding access to hockey through government educational institutions.
Punjab has the largest representation with 620 schools, while Sindh has 143 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 106. Balochistan has six approved schools, Islamabad has five, and one institution from Azad Jammu & Kashmir is included in the initiative.
At the district level, Karachi tops the list with 118 schools, followed closely by Toba Tek Singh with 115 and Rawalpindi with 94. Rahim Yar Khan has 68, Bahawalpur 62, Jhang 53, Sahiwal 36, Mansehra 34, Chiniot 33 and Faisalabad 32.
Karachi, Toba Tek Singh and Rawalpindi alone account for 327 schools, representing 37.1 percent of the total approved institutions. The five leading districts collectively contribute 457 schools.
The PHF School Hockey Program is designed to make schools key centers for grassroots development. The federation plans to conduct regular sporting activities, identify emerging talent and build a stronger pipeline for future national teams.
The next phase will focus on completing district and tehsil mapping, distributing equipment in stages, introducing regular hockey activities and establishing a monthly reporting system. The PHF also intends to increase coverage in areas where hockey opportunities remain limited.