LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Punjab government has approved a huge grant of Rs 150 million for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to support the revival of hockey in the country.
The fifth meeting of the Grant-in-Aid Committee, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, approved a grant on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The funding will be used for grassroots development, talent identification, coaching programs, and technical capacity building.
The meeting reviewed short, medium, and long-term projects for the promotion and revival of hockey in Punjab.
It was decided that regular hockey competitions will be organized in schools and colleges across Punjab, while a talent hunt program will be launched at the school level to identify talented players.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the players will be provided with hockey kits, protective gear, shirts, shoes, and a monthly stipend. The services of international standard coaches and master trainers will be sought for the training of young players, she added.
Furthermore, the provincial minister stated that a network of hockey academies will be established across the province.
“Steps are also being considered to upgrade the hockey infrastructure to world standards, including the installation of state-of-the-art turf and floodlights.”
Marriyum Aurangzeb added that former Olympians and prominent players of the national hockey team will be entrusted with the responsibility of training the younger generation as grace mentors.
The construction of international standard hockey stadiums in each divisional headquarters has also been reviewed, she maintained.
PHF expresses gratitude
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Hockey Federation has expressed gratitude to the Punjab government on behalf of the PHF president and other management officials for the timely financial assistance.
The spokesperson said that this grant will be of great help in strengthening the infrastructure of hockey in the country, enhancing the standard of performance of players, and creating new opportunities for young athletes.
