Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has pledged that the government will provide Pakistani hockey players with all necessary facilities to help revive the country’s national sport.
Addressing a ceremony, Rana Sanaullah said the Pakistan Sports Board falls under his ministry and recalled the period when Pakistan dominated international hockey.
He said hockey had once been a major part of Pakistan’s identity, but the country had not won a major international tournament for a long time. He added that recent reports about Pakistan hockey had largely reflected disappointing performances.
Rana Sanaullah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the government to give special attention to hockey, stressing that Pakistan could regain its position in world hockey through focused efforts and sustained support.
He assured the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) that the government would fully support any programme or initiative designed to restore the sport. He also described an agreement scheduled to be signed at the ceremony as a positive step towards hockey’s revival.
The adviser said the federal cabinet stood alongside the hockey federation and urged the PHF to develop a comprehensive revival plan.
He emphasised that players must receive financial support and proper facilities, while young athletes also need access to international coaches to improve their skills.
Rana Sanaullah further said senior hockey players would have to play an active role in restoring the sport. He criticised past PHF officials, alleging that some had brought politics into hockey instead of focusing on its development.
He reiterated that the government was committed to promoting hockey in line with the prime minister’s directions and supporting players in every possible way.