Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti, the President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), outlined a robust strategy to breathe new life into the nation’s hockey landscape.
His vision centers around providing abundant opportunities for players, a commitment that was put into action with the recent participation of both Pakistani hockey teams in the Olympic qualifying round and the prestigious FIH 5-a-side Hockey World Cup hosted in Oman.
In a video message, Bugti acknowledged the myriad challenges faced by the PHF, emphasizing the difficulty in sending both teams to these high-stakes competitions.
However, he lauded the benevolence and concerted efforts of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar and Caretaker Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Fawad Hasan Fawad for their instrumental roles in facilitating the teams’ participation in these mega events.
Despite time constraints, with only 6 to 7 days available for player scrutiny and preparation for the 5-a-side Hockey World Cup, Bugti shed light on the commendable performance of the teams.
The PHF, facing a shortage of time to secure a foreign coach, demonstrated resilience by making the best use of the resources at hand. The teams’ dedication and spirited performance were evident, particularly in a remarkable match against Poland where they made a spectacular comeback, ultimately losing narrowly by 8-7 after initially trailing 3-0.
Bugti, recognizing the unpredictable nature of sports, emphasized that both triumphs and setbacks are inherent aspects of the game.
Looking ahead, Bugti outlined an ambitious roadmap for the PHF. A key component of this vision involves providing more opportunities for players to participate in tournaments, nurturing talent at various levels.
The PHF is set to initiate a series of hockey activities and international events within the country to create a conducive environment for the revival of the national game. Bugti’s optimism about the future of Pakistani hockey was palpable as he expressed confidence in the potential progress the sport could witness throughout the year.
The PHF, under Bugti’s leadership, envisions playing a pivotal role in the development and resurgence of hockey in Pakistan. The transformative initiatives not only aim to elevate the performance of the national teams but also seek to cultivate a thriving hockey culture within the country.
Bugti’s commitment to providing ample opportunities for players, coupled with plans for hosting more events domestically, paints a promising picture for the future of Pakistani hockey.
