Government representatives, sports officials, and legendary Olympians gathered in Islamabad on Wednesday for the soft launch of the Pakistan Hockey League. The initiative, a collaboration between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and MediaCast, is designed to revitalise the national sport and restore Pakistan’s position among the world's top hockey-playing nations. By creating a professional structure, the league seeks to bridge the gap between domestic talent and international competition standards.
A collaborative effort for revival
The ceremony was attended by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by a prestigious group of former players, including Shehnaz Sheikh, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Hassan Sardar, Tahir Zaman, Mansoor Ahmed Senior, and Khwaja Junaid. The presence of these icons signaled a unified commitment from the hockey community to address the sport's decline and build a sustainable future for the next generation of players.
During the event, officials emphasized that the Pakistan Hockey League is not just a tournament but a strategic move to attract corporate investment. Salman Danish, owner of MediaCast, stated that the partnership aims to develop a commercial model that can support the sport long-term. This includes upgrading sports infrastructure and providing better financial incentives for the Pakistan hockey team players, who have often struggled with limited resources.
Strategic goals and infrastructure
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani outlined the federation's priorities, which include professional management and institutional reforms. He noted that the league would provide local players with much-needed exposure to international stars, who are expected to be part of the franchise-based system. By improving the quality of domestic competition, the PHF hopes to see a direct impact on the Pakistan hockey team ranking, which has seen a downward trend in recent years.
Infrastructure development remains a core pillar of the plan. The government has pledged its support to upgrade facilities and create an environment where young talent can flourish. Rana Mashhood reaffirmed that the state is committed to investing in the sport's revival, viewing the league as a platform to bring the government, private sector, and the hockey community together.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan mein hockey ko dobara zinda karne ke liye 'Pakistan Hockey League' ka aghaz kar diya gaya hai. Is league ka maqsad dunya bhar se behtareen khilariyon ko Pakistan lana aur local players ko international muqablay ka moqa dena hai. Is se na sirf hockey ka mayar behtar hoga balkay naye khilariyon ko paisay aur sahuliyat bhi milain gi. Hakumat aur puranay star khilari mil kar hockey ko purana maqam wapis dilana chahtay hain.
