ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has allocated Rs280 million in prize money for the upcoming national hockey championships as part of efforts to strengthen the sport from the grassroots level.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the national senior, junior and Under-15 championships will be held in January 2027, with both boys’ and girls’ teams expected to participate.
According to Wani, the prize fund will be distributed among players and teams demonstrating outstanding performances and achieving success in the national competitions. The initiative is aimed at encouraging players and creating greater opportunities for emerging hockey talent.
Under a new competitive structure, each province will be allowed to send up to four teams to the national championships, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will each be represented by up to two teams.
Departmental teams will also be allowed to participate in the national competitions, providing additional opportunities for players to compete at a higher level.
Wani said girls’ teams would also be given opportunities to compete wherever such teams are available. The federation aims to expand Pakistan’s hockey talent pool, promote stronger regional competition and establish a clear pathway for players from Under-15 and junior levels to senior hockey.
He said the strategy of increasing the number of teams, competitions, opportunities and rewards would help rebuild Pakistan hockey on stronger foundations, from grassroots development to the national team.