The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet has granted Rs. 100 million to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), providing much-needed relief to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for their upcoming international sports endeavors.
The grant comes at a crucial time as the Pakistan hockey team gears up for the Olympic Qualifiers, the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier, and the Men’s FIH 5S Hockey World Cup. Additionally, the team is set to host a Davis Cup Group-I match against India, to be held at the Sports Complex in Islamabad.
In a statement, the ECC highlighted the significance of hockey as the national sport of Pakistan, underscoring its illustrious history with four Hockey World Cup titles (in 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994) and three gold medals in Olympic Games field hockey tournaments. The approval of the grant was based on the urgent request made by the PSB, emphasizing the crucial financial support needed for the upcoming hockey events.
The PSB’s letter dated January 2, 2024, specifically sought a grant of Rs. 37.5 million for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier starting on January 15 and an additional Rs. 25 million for the Men’s FIH 5S Hockey World Cup commencing on January 28. The finals of these events are scheduled for January 21 and January 31 in Oman, respectively.
Notably, other sports federations in the country also received grants from the ECC, albeit with some minimal deductions. The government’s role in sustaining hockey in Pakistan is highlighted, as the PHF heavily relies on both technical and financial support from the government to ensure the sport’s continued growth and success.
