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The Pakistan Hockey Thread

Two huge victories against world class teams in a months time a great achievement. It seems their is something being done right by PHF lately
 
Pakistan hockey team head coach Siegfried Aikman on Friday said his players have a lot of respect for their Indian counterparts and considered some of them as role models.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan face each other in Pool A in the opening match of the Asian Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday.

"There is a lot of respect among Pakistan players for Indian hockey players. Some Indians are even their role models," Aikman said ahead of the match.

Speaking on the challenges in front of him as coach, Aikman said he hopes to revive Pakistan hockey
He also opened up on how Pakistan players can take inspiration from Indian hockey
Pakistan hockey team head coach Siegfried Aikman on Friday said his players have a lot of respect for their Indian counterparts and considered some of them as role models.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan face each other in Pool A in the opening match of the Asian Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday.

"There is a lot of respect among Pakistan players for Indian hockey players. Some Indians are even their role models," Aikman said ahead of the match.


"I saw the same respect in Indian players the other way around as well. This environment is a good one to have," he added.

The prestigious tournament is a World Cup qualifier. India, Japan, Pakistan, and hosts Indonesia are placed in pool A while Malaysia, Korea, Oman and Bangladesh are grouped in pool B.

"Players are very excited to be back to competition. They want to play against the best and are looking forward to the match against India," Aikman said in a release.

With the Super 4s format introduced in Asia Cup, the prospect of India taking on Pakistan twice is also a possibility.

"It will be a tough tournament. There is no second chance or bypass for other teams to reach the World Cup." the newly-appointed coach said.

"Apart from India, who have already qualified for the World Cup, it's all or nothing for all the other teams. Hence, all of us have to go all out in the tournament," he said.

Speaking on the challenges in front of him as coach, Aikman said he hopes to revive Pakistan hockey. He also opened up on how Pakistan players can take inspiration from Indian hockey.

"World Hockey needs India and Pakistan to lead in the sport. India are doing well at the moment. But we need to revive ourselves, and I am hopeful I can do that here, and make Pakistan hockey promising again.

"I want to develop a structure in the country where we can start building players at the grassroots so that in 10 years, we have a Pakistan team that can compete against the top teams," he said.

"India hockey team is a big example for teams in Asia. They showed that you can come from very deep and reach far. It takes time, but if you do it consistently and bluntly that you will get there," Aikman signed off.

https://zeenews.india.com/other-spo...ckey-head-coach-siegfried-aikman-2465627.html
 
Karachi: Erstwhile powerhouse of the game, Pakistan's failure to qualify for the men's hockey World Cup has created a furore in the nation with former players finding it "hard to digest" and calling for heads to roll in the national federation.
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Pakistan hockey suffered a crushing blow on Thursday when it lost to Japan 2-3 in its final Poll A match of the ongoing Asia Cup.

With India winning 16-0 against hosts Indonesia, Pakistan crashed out of the tournament and also failed to qualify for next year's FIH World Cup to be held in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Once the undisputed champions of world hockey, Pakistan has reeled from one crisis to another and from one disappointment to another and Thursday's blow has led to renewed calls for the sacking of the long-serving president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brigadier (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokar and coach Khawaja Junaid
Junaid, a former Olympian has been associated with the national senior and junior teams on a regular basis since his retirement.

"This is very hard to digest that for the second time now we have failed to qualify for the World Cup. Where is our hockey headed now?" former captain and Olympian Samiullah questioned.

Another former captain and Olympian, Islahuddin said it was heartbreaking that Pakistan has not qualified for the last two Olympics and now its second successive World Cup.

"There was a time when such big events were incomplete without Pakistan," he said.

Islahuddin's concerns are understandable considering that Pakistan, which is a proud hockey nation with three Olympic gold medals, four World Cup titles and numerous Asian level wins, has now gone without a major title since 2010 when they won the Asian Games gold.

Pakistan had high hopes of qualifying for the World Cup after drubbing Indonesia 13-0 in the Asia Cup but arch-rivals, India who needed 15 goals to qualify for the Super 4 stage, crushed their hopes.

Before the ongoing Asia Cup, the PHF even sent the team on a training tour of Europe besides appointing Dutchman Siefred Aikman as head coach.

Former celebrated centre forward Hasan Sardar said other Asian countries had forged ahead while Pakistan had been left behind because of a poor domestic structure. "One could never even imagine that Japan could beat us," he said.

The present situation does not augur well for the sport's future in the country at all with former stalwarts wondering what is next for Pakistan hockey.

"We really need people to run hockey who have no self interest. We need coaches who are willing to work selflessly and are not there for the daily allowances and foreign rides," Samiullah said.

Olympian Rasheed ul Hasan pointed out that the two common factors for Pakistan hockey's dismal showings in recent years have been the PHF president and Khawaja Junaid.

"What have these two achieved as yet despite being around for so many years now. Khokar has been president for seven years now," he said.

"We have always measured our hockey strength with India and it hurts to see the Indian team now surging ahead of us in all departments. I think radical steps are required from the government to stop this decline," Pakistan's most successful captain and coach, Islahuddin said.

https://zeenews.india.com/other-spo...ut-fails-to-make-it-to-world-cup-2467625.html
 
CHENNAI: The Pakistan skipper, Umar Bhutta, had a blank expression on his face. He had run the show in midfield along with his colleagues but some profligate finishing let the team down. After a shaky first half, the Green Shirts had refocused and recomposed. The result was wave after attacking wave on Japan's increasingly fragile territory. However, that equalising goal never came. The dream died a painful death.

A few hours later, Pakistan coach, Siegfried Aikman, also used the word 'died' to describe the final group game against Japan. They needed to avoid defeat to give themselves a shot at qualifying for the World Cup but the 2-3 defeat left them vulnerable and it showed when India scored 16 unanswered goals against Indonesia to eliminate one of the sport's most storied and celebrated sides.

'It was a do-or-die game and unfortunately we died," Aikman summed up Thursday's proceedings succinctly. "Now it's all about rebirth." While a few people have been quick to re-emphasise the country's status quo in the sport in the wake of this latest result, Aikman begs to disagree. "First-half the boys were afraid of failure and it showed. I thought we were fantastic in the second-half, we had a lot of good goal-scoring chances."

In fact, that's true for all three of Pakistan's group games. Against Japan, they had 18 shots on goal (Japan had 11), 30 circle penetrations (19) and five penalty corners (four). Against India, they were unlucky to only draw as their forwards missed a few gilt-edged chances before levelling the game in the 59th minute. Fair to say, Aikman has seen enough that he's excited for what the future holds. "The talent is there, we saw the talent on the stage. We now need to play more games. There is the Commonwealth Games and the Nations Cup. We can show our growth even before the World Cup (in India)."

The Dutchman has another reason to be hopeful. He says the country will announce a Pakistan Hockey League with the inaugural edition set to be played later this year. "People behind the Pakistan Cricket League (Pakistan Super League) will start a PHL later this year. There will be foreigners in the league." The now defunct Hockey India League elevated the levels of Indian players and opened them up to a modern brand of hockey and Aikman is hopeful that there will be a similar domino effect.

"Rome wasn't built in a day," he says. "India took 10-12 years (to get back their lost) glory. It will take time. My ultimate aim is to give a good performance with this team in the 2026 World Cup and everything will be building towards it. Look where Japan are at. That's my legacy with them. When I leave Pakistan, I want that legacy with them too."

https://www.newindianexpress.com/sp...ch-says-its-now-time-for-rebirth-2458728.html
 
Azzurri said:
Two huge victories against world class teams in a months time a great achievement. It seems their is something being done right by PHF lately
Click to expand...

Lol, the total hoax, these games didnt even have the status of international games.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1689779

HOCKEY: THE GREAT HOCKEY HOAX
It was a pleasant surprise for hockey lovers when the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced that Pakistan’s national team was to play “international” matches in April/May against leading European hockey-playing nations such as Belgium, Holland and Spain, ranked World No 2, 4 and 6, respectively.

It was heartening to know that these top teams were even willing to play against Pakistan which, after all, is now ranked an ignominious 18th in the world. Also, the prospect promised to be a good experience for the Green Shirts, who have been devoid of good international competition in recent times due to the team’s poor ranking and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Then, when Pakistan won its first tour match against Holland 5-3, the team’s manager, Khawaja Junaid, lost no time in congratulating the entire nation. Headlines such as ‘Pakistan hammers World No 4 Holland’ and ‘Pakistan hockey is back on track’ were all over the news media. However, keen followers of the game remained sceptical.

The Dutch hockey league Hoofdklasse is the most competitive and lucrative domestic hockey competition in the world. Its popularity and fan following are second only to football in Holland. And it was the business end of the Hoofdklasse when Pakistan played the matches against Holland. Almost all the first-choice Dutch players were unavailable, as they were busy with the league.

A couple of wins by the national side on a European tour had the Pakistan Hockey Federation touting it as the sport getting back on track in the country. But what was the reality of these matches and these wins?

And still, in the second match, the Dutch team turned the tables and defeated Pakistan’s national side 4-1.

The Royal Netherlands Hockey Board (KNHB) confirmed that the team that played Pakistan in the two matches was not the national team but only their development squad. Moreover, the matches didn’t have the status of an international match, they were friendly games only.

It was after a long period of testing that a new world ranking model took effect from January 1, 2020, following approval by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Executive Board. Moving away from the previous tournament-based ranking system, this new, match-based system involves an exchange of points between the two national teams competing in each match played.

The number of points exchanged depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match. Hence, these friendly games have no bearing on the FIH rankings of Pakistan and Holland.

The PHF’s disinformation was exposed to the public via the media by some former Pakistani hockey stars. This made the PHF’s Secretary Asif Bajwa issue a press release. He tried to cover up the truth with words such as: “Despite the engagements of the Dutch players, the KNHB tried to raise a strong team.”

He refrained from mentioning that the matches were only friendly games, not internationals. The PHF also released a video statement of the Dutch national team coach Jeroen Delmee, who simply said that the Pakistan team won the first match and lost the second, and also wished them success in the Asia Cup and Commonwealth Games. There was no mention of the status of the matches.

Moving to Belgium, Pakistan lost the only match there 1-5. The Belgian team was a combination of available national team players and under-21 boys. Again, it was not an international match.

The last leg of the Pakistan hockey team’s tour was in Spain. The series was reduced to two from the originally announced three matches. Pakistan won the first tie 4-1 and, again, PHF created the impression that Pakistan had defeated Spain’s national team in the match. It was Eid day in Pakistan and a news flash appearing on some TV channels read: “The national hockey team’s Eid gift to the nation! Pakistan defeats the much higher-ranked Spain by a big margin.”

When contacted, the Real Federación Española de Hockey, the Spanish Hockey Federation, also clarified that it was not an international match. Since the Spanish Final 4 of their domestic competition was to take place over the weekend, no player from the top four domestic teams — Real Club de Polo, Club de Campo, the Atlètic Terrasa Hockey Club and Club Egara — was available to play against Pakistan. Also absent were some other top Spanish players who were engaged in the Dutch and Belgian leagues.

Hence, it was more or less a third-tier Spanish team, which lost to the Green Shirts. And even that side recovered to defeat Pakistan 5-3 in the second match.

An ‘international’ match with ranking points at stake has a different competitive environment altogether, with pressure on the players, coaches and even umpires.

Now, PHF and its cronies have come out with another defensive strategy. They are saying: “At least the boys got the experience of playing against European sides.”

In this regard, it would have been far better if the international matches were arranged against some lower-ranked European countries, such as Ireland (ranked 14), Wales (15), Austria (19) and Scotland (20). Of these, Ireland, Wales and Scotland are located very close to each other. Only one or two players from these countries were engaged in the big European hockey leagues. In all probability, they would have welcomed the idea to play internationals against a national side in the same ranking bracket as theirs.

The performance of players in these international matches and their results would have given a fair idea about the Pakistan team and the players and where they stand.

Sadly, this European tour, which must have cost millions of rupees, was an exercise in futility. The PHF must be taken to task not only by the ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination but also by the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly.

A former great of Pakistan hockey Olympian Rashid ul Hasan has openly stated that the PHF’s President Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and its Secretary Asif Bajwa have lied and deceived the newly installed government to prolong their own tenure with the federation. The prime minister is, ex officio, the Patron-in-Chief of the PHF. He has the power to remove the PHF president with a stroke of the pen.

Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and Asif Bajwa, responsible for Pakistan hockey’s disaster, are known for ingratiating themselves with those in power. Recently, PHF announced it would hold club championships from May 15-25. The title of this event? The ‘Chief of Army Staff Inter-Club District Hockey Championship’.
Click to expand...
 
LAHORE: Pakistan five-a-side Hockey coach Olympian Rehan Butt claimed that the team is focusing more on their clash against the arch-rival India in the upcoming tournament, scheduled to be held in Switzerland.

Rehan, in a statement, ahead of the team’s departure for Switzerland to participate in the tournament, claimed that Malaysia and India are going to give tough times to the Green Shirts while the side has a sharp focus on their faceoff with the arch-rivals.

“Malaysia and India will give us a tough time in the event but we are focusing more on the match against India,” Rehan shared.

“Everyone enjoys the match between Pakistan and India, we will try our best to play well and win against them,” he added

Talking about the team’s preparation for the event Rehan claimed that his team was fully prepared for the new format of the game.

“We have prepared well for the new format, fitness has been the major emphasis,” he stated. “I am fully satisfied with the fitness and skills of the players and we hope to play well.”

Pakistan’s five-a-side hockey team will be departing tomorrow to participate in the event which will be held in Switzerland.

A-sports
 
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced to hold the first-ever Hockey league by the title of “The Max”, later this year.

In a press conference here, the PHF president Khalid Sajjad Khokhar announced the first-ever league, while the national men’s team captain Umar Bhatta was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the PHF president Khokhar expressed gratitude for announcing the league and termed it a milestone for the PHF.

“It is a milestone for the PHF,” Khokhar told the media. “We have worked really hard for this day to announce our league. I am proud to announce it finally,” he said.

Khalid further shared that the league may face difficulties to attract foreign players in the beginning but expressed hope that they will soon begin to participate in the league.

“We might face difficult in dealing with foreign players in beginning but with time, we are hopeful of attracting them,” Khalid stated.

“This league is very important for the development of Pakistan Hockey and it is a milestone for us,” he added.

The PHF president then disclosed that the management team had been expanded with the help of open bidding. The managing team also includes Salman Sarwar Butt, the first director of PSL.

It is pertinent to mention here that the league will initially feature five teams including Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, and Islamabad.

A-Sports
 
Making a mockery of the task assigned to it, an inquiry committee has prepared its report without questioning any official or player following the Pakistan hockey team's debacle at the Asia Cup.

The three-member committee headed by Olympian, Kaleemullah, waited for three days for the officials and captain of the team to show up before it, but none of them came for various reasons.

According to a source, Khawaja Junaid, who was the manager of the team in the Asia Cup, resigned from his post few days back and excused himself while the head coach, Siefred Aikman, is yet to get a visa to return to Pakistan. After the tournament in Malaysia, Aikman had gone home for a short vacation.

Pakistan captain Umar Buta also excused himself because of some family issues.

This left the inquiry committee, which also includes Olympian Nasir Ali and hockey administrator Zahir Shah, to prepare its report based on match videos, media reports, and feedback from the head coach.

Pakistan finished fifth in the competition and failed to qualify for next year's World Cup, leading to the formation of the committee.

The source said that the committee which has submitted its report to the Pakistan Hockey Federation has held manager Junaid and other team officials responsible for the poor performance. Since the Asia Cup things have only gotten worse in Pakistan hockey with senior players threatening to leave the game because of financial issues.

https://zeenews.india.com/cricket/b...estioning-any-official-or-player-2481537.html
 
Commonwealth Games 2022 Pakistan Men Hockey schedule:

30 July :
Pakistan vs South Africa
1:00pm (PST)
 
BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan hockey team's head coach Siegfried Aikman and his players are looking forward to performing in the Commonwealth Games 2022.

In a video message, Aikman said his team is very much focused and ready to make their country proud.

"Opening ceremony was very good and atmosphere here is really impressive," shared Aikman. "Now, it's time for hockey action. Our players are in good rhythm and focused to perform and make Pakistan proud," he said.

Commonwealth Games are very important for Pakistan team as they already got disqualified from next year's World Cup.

They will start their Commonwealth Games campaign against South Africa on Saturday (July 30).
 
MenInG said:
BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan hockey team's head coach Siegfried Aikman and his players are looking forward to performing in the Commonwealth Games 2022.

In a video message, Aikman said his team is very much focused and ready to make their country proud.

"Opening ceremony was very good and atmosphere here is really impressive," shared Aikman. "Now, it's time for hockey action. Our players are in good rhythm and focused to perform and make Pakistan proud," he said.

Commonwealth Games are very important for Pakistan team as they already got disqualified from next year's World Cup.

They will start their Commonwealth Games campaign against South Africa on Saturday (July 30).
Click to expand...

Much hope of a medal?

By all accounts Pakistan hockey is in a bit of a mess.
 
FY5kdgdWAAAcweI


Started
 
SA leading at the moment with one goal
 
MenInG said:
HT: South Africa 1-1 Pakistan
Click to expand...

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/j90d6u" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

Pakistan goalkeeper Akmal Hussain was shown a yellow card for this challenge and South Africa were able to open the scoring from the resulting penalty corner
 
Struggling to beat South Africa with a poor performance so far 2-2.
 
BIRMINGHAM: The captain of Pakistan Men’s Hockey Team Umar Bhutta backed the Green Shirts’ performance in their opening match of the Commonwealth Games against South Africa.

Bhutta, while talking to this reporter here backed Pakistan’s 2-2 draw against South Africa and stated that the national team did well as they did not lose points, while also claiming that the team will go with full strength in their match against New Zealand.

“The national hockey team played well against South Africa. The match ended in a draw so we did not lose points,” Bhutta said.

“We will go all-out in the second match against New Zealand and win the match to make it to the semi-finals,” he maintained.

National Hockey team’s head coach Siegfried Aikman, on the other hand, remained hopeful to overcome the mistakes made in the first match and take on New Zealand with lifted spirits.

“We will work on the mistakes made in the first match and give our best in the next game. Our dribbling is good but we couldn’t get the penalty corner so we need to work on that,” Aikman stated.

“Pakistani players have the hunger to score goals and they are a really good side,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Afraz Hakeem’s late strike in the closing moments of the game, allowed the Green Shirts to secure a 2-2 draw against South Africa. Rizwan Ali was the other scorer, who struck in the first quarter.
 
BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan hockey team's head coach Siegfried Aikman highlighted the weak areas of national players.

Speaking to media after Pakistan held a draw against South Africa in first match of Commonwealth Games 2022, Aikman said a culture of 'dominating single-handedly' prevails in Pakistan.

"Our players did very well today as we are below in the rankings," he said. "There is a weakness in our team, players go for scoring goals single-handedly. They focus less on passing the ball and creating chances. That's why we suffer a lot of times," he added.

Aikman stressed that there is a need to change this long-lasting culture. "We need to overcome our weaknesses. If we focus more on creating penalty corner chances, it will help us win games. This is what modern-day hockey is all about," he maintained.

On the other hand, Pakistan team skipper Umar Bhutta hopes to turn the tables against New Zealand in next game. "Players performed really well today. We made some mistakes but we will try to come up strongly against New Zealand," he said.

Sameer Hussain, manager of the national hockey team, credited players for restricting a highly-ranked team, South Africa. "It wasn't easy for players to draw the game against South Africa. They are above us in rankings, credit goes to our players, who are not even experienced, for giving tough time to South Africa," he praised.

Pakistan will play their next match against New Zealand on July 31.

https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/1739...ingle-handedly-highlights-national-head-coach
 
Can we see a change in Pak hockey like how cricket improved post PSL ?
I guess these days Pak is not even qualifying for Olympics.
 
Pakistan is currently ranked 18th in the World Hockey Rankings, below teams like Japan, France, Malaysia and Wales.
 
It's a shame such a key game in Pakistani history has gone by the wayside.

Decent result all considered
 
PHF officials enjoy trip to Birmingham despite Pakistan hockey's financial crisis

  • PHF's high officials reach Birmingham to meet national squad.
  • Journalist Yahya Hussaini raises questions about visit to UK despite economic crisis.
  • PHF fails to inquire reason behind the Asia Cup 2022 blunder that cost Pakistan, Hockey World Cup 2023's spot.

KARACHI: Despite the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)'s complaints about lack of funds for hockey activities and players, the federation's top officials reached Birmingham to meet the national squad.

The match between Pakistan and South Asia ended in a draw in the first contest of the Commonwealth Games 2022.

The team is already out of Hockey World Cup which is scheduled to take place next year in India and is facing difficulties to save the lost pride due to dirty politics in the PHF.

Meanwhile, PHF's president Khalid Sajjad Khokhar alongside chief selector Olympian Manzoor Jr visited to meet the squad.

Senior sports journalist/anchor, Yahya Hussaini raised questions about Khokhar's visit to the UK despite the economic crisis in the federation.

Moreover, another senior sports journalist Sohail Imran claimed that Manzoor replaced Kaleemullah as chief selector just to enjoy UK's trip.

Earlier this month, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) de-notified PHF's high officials, including Khokhar. But later on, Khokhar managed to regain presidentship in an ad-hoc committee appointed by PSB to hold elections within 30 days.

PHF announced elections dates between August 5 to 20, however, hockey experts believe that these elections will be just "selection".

On the other hand, PHF has failed to inquire about the reason behind the Asia Cup 2022 blunder that cost Pakistan, Hockey World Cup 2023's spot.

According to the details, the then-team manager Khawaja Junaid was unaware of the FIH rule due to which a goal of Pakistan was disqualified against Japan. Pakistan not only lost that match 3-2 but was also ruled out of World Cup after India beat Indonesia by 16-0.

The blame game started in the PHF thereafter, ending up with a committee being formed to inquire about the matter. A three-member inquiry committee headed by Olympian Kaleemullah included Olympian Nasir Ali and the president of KPK Hockey Association, Zahir Shah.

This dummy committee was just made to sideline this matter as manager Junaid resigned from his post immediately after Asia Cup followed by PHF's secretary Asif Bajwa's reported forced resignation earlier this month.

Currently, Karachi Hockey Association (KHA)'s secretary Haider Hussain is an interim secretary general of PHF.

Haider is popular among the hockey fraternity for his work to uplift the national game in Karachi.

However, his stay seems to not last longer as Khokhar's return to the country from the UK will further decide the future of PHF.

GEO News
 
NZ v Pak coming up in Hockey now.

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Last edited:
Close call but NZ goal disallowed - what a save

AesK1ph.png
 
And another goal by NZ, 2-0 now - Pakistan in trouble.
 
NZ leading 3-1 at the moment, 3rd Quarter about to end
 
Siegfried Aikman - Pakistan hockey coach:

We are happy that we play such strong and experienced teams because it enables us to learn and grow. This is what we do abd we hope to prove it in the next match. Thank you all for your support.

Players were not fully recovered from the SA match and made to many unforced errors in passing and receiving we also had problems with tactical decision making. We have 2 days to recover and to prepare for the Scotland match.

We were unable to score and just before the end they scored the last goal.
Conclusion we played an attacking match when possible but to do so against physical fit teams we need to be physically stronger.

NZ counterattacked well but our GK was outstanding. In the last quarter we played all or nothing because we were 2 goals down. We attacked where possible and NZ did needed to take much risk which allowed them to focus on turnover.

After halftime we wanted to equalize and we tried to attack where possible NZ however counterattacked well and scored the 3-1 in the 3rd quarter. We tried to close the gap worked very hard but couldn’t score.

With in 3 minutes they again scored after a turnover and took a 2-0 lead. Defending we couldn’t mark well mainly because we watched the ball. In the same quarter we scored the 2-1. Was a nice field goal

In the match we started well created great opportunities missed for open goal. We were able to control the turnovers. In the 2nd quarter NZ had a great turnover which we couldn’t defend well and they took the lead.

Our aim was to play very attacking. We saw opportunities after analyzing New Zealand and our match.
In our wish to attack we neglected that we played the day before and that we might not have fully recovered.

We have watched and analyzed their match and decided for an attacking strategy. We tried to press, when they were in possession and when we won the ball back we all knew what to do .

Good morning again, Yesterday we played vs New Zealand. The New Zealand team is an experienced team who has great fighting spirit which they showed in their match vs Scotland. They drew after being 4-0 down.
 
Pakistan Hockey continues to dip to new lows

Australia defeat Pakistan 7 0 at the cwg

With this defeat, Pakistan are out of the medal race. They will face Canada in seventh position match on August 6.
 
SpiritOf1903 said:
Could get a proper coach to begin
Click to expand...

The guy has no professional nous

Complaining during a tournament about not getting paid!

Any other country would have shut him up asap or kicked him out.
 
Got to point that a 7th position by defeating Canada in CWG is an achievement!
 
Astroturf at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore was scrapped to hold a political gathering led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)’s chairman, former Prime Minister and cricketer Imran Khan.

In a video that went viral on social media, the labour can be seen removing astroturf amid other preparations were in full swing for the political gathering which is scheduled on August 13.

Astroturf at the National Hockey Stadium Lahore is one of the very few well-maintained turfs for hockey players in the country.

Already deprived national game and its international players might suffer for days after the removal of turf.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)’s acting secretary Haider Hussain told Geo Super that the ground is under the control of Punjab Sports Board (PSB).

“We have nothing to do with it. This ground comes under the control of Punjab Sports Board. Even we take permission from them before holding hockey activities here,” clarified the interim secretary.

However, Director Admin PSB Umer Hasan said that the district administration gave permission for the rally in the hockey stadium, and the sports board did not interfere.

The director also talked about the installation of the new Astroturf grass.

"The summary of replacing the turf has been prepared. Summary of Astroturf replacement will be sent within a week. Turf will be imported in a few months, and a new Astroturf will be installed.

https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/17662-watch-astroturf-at-hockey-stadium-lahore-scrapped-for-pti-jalsa
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On 11th Aug, 84, Pak won the last Olympics gold medal at Los Angeles, USA. Today is 38th anniversary of winning the Olympics Gold. Recalling this moment, we aim to bring the golden Era back with true effort and passion towards our nation sport. Kiunk yehi hai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeriNationalDuty?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeriNationalDuty</a> <a href="https://t.co/OPFBwAeo77">pic.twitter.com/OPFBwAeo77</a></p>— Pakistan Hockey (PHF) (@PHFOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PHFOfficial/status/1557757115539800065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
AamchiMumbaikar said:
Why do they have to conduct these political sessions in sports stadia ?
Click to expand...

The story has been refuted (ARY)

==

It is learnt that the removal of astroturf was originally planned for March or April of this year, but faced delays due to the revised PC-1 of the project.

The astroturf, removed from Lahore stadium, will now be placed on the Sargodha Hockey Stadium as the previous government had given permission for the installation of new turf on the Lahore ground.

Lahore’s historic national hockey stadium will get the Federation International Hockey FIH-approved new astroturf worth Rs15 million by December this year.

Following the propaganda, Punjab Sports Minister Malik Taimur Masood Khan also stated that the previous government decided to shift the turf of Lahore ground to Sargodha and it has nothing to do with the PTI’s public rally.

Earlier today, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday clarified that the AstroTurf at Lahore’s Hockey Ground, where the party will be holding a rally on August 13, was not being scrapped, rather it was being replaced with a new one.
 
Punjab takes the flak for removal of Lahore's National Stadium AstroTurf

LAHORE: Former hockey star Olympian Manzoorul Hasan Senior has hit out at the Punjab government’s decision of removing the AstroTurf of the National Hockey Stadium for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) public rally and described it as a great loss of hockey.

It is said to be the biggest hockey stadium in Asia and has hosted several momentous tournaments such as World Cup.

Speaking to Dawn on Thursday after the news of removal of the AstroTurf went viral, the former hockey great said he was deeply disappointed over the Punjab government’s decision of ruining the stadium. He questioned Punjab Sports Minister Malik Taimoor Masood’s claim that the turf was being replaced and now it would be installed in Sargodha and that it had to be changed by the Buzdar government because it was already quite old.

“The turf in Sargodha is already there and boys play there without any complaint. In fact, the turf is not available in Faisalabad for the last one year as tenders have not been issued,” Manzoor said.

“It is wrong to say the the turf was quite old and not fit for a game. Last month, the Chief of Army Staff Inter-Club Tournament was played on it and the players enjoyed the tournament without any complaint,” Manzoor said.

“Yes, the only problem it had was that it was not perfectly placed when it was laid around 10 years ago. But its surface was in a perfect condition,” he said.

He also said not a single turf was laid by the Punjab government in the last four years and now the decision to remove the one added insult to injury. He said a protest meeting would be organised in front of the National Hockey Stadium on Friday.

Manzoor said there was no need to remove the turf as the cost of a new one had increased manifold due to the surge in dollar value.

The turf was uprooted on the order of Punjab Sports Minister Malik Taimoor to facilitate the PTI to hold its public meeting on Saturday (tomorrow). The party shifted the event from Islamabad to Lahore a few days ago.

The stadium has a seating capacity of around 65,000 spectators and can also entertain 15,000 or so more people in the playing area. The National Stadium was inaugurated by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in mid-80s when he was a provincial minister.

The Punjab sports minister told media on Thursday that the decision to change the turf had already been taken by the previous government (led by Usman Buzdar), so it was not being replaced owing to the public rally. The minister said the tender for the new turf would be given in the next few days and the project would be completed in the next four to five months.

He said the turf was laid some 10 years ago at a cost of Rs40 million and now the latest cost would be known after issuing tenders. He said the old turf would be laid in another city of the province despite the fact it had completed its playing-age.

The minister also claimed that it was not a political rally but it was being held as part of Independence Day celebrations. He said cultural shows would also be part of the event.

It will be the first time that such a public meeting by a political party will be held at the National Hockey Stadium. In 1974, former Libyan president Moammar Gaddafi had addressed a public meeting at Lahore Stadium (which was renamed Gaddafi Stadium) when he was in Lahore to attend the Islamic summit.

On Oct 20, 2012, the turf was folded to host a ceremony of singing the national anthem by a large number of people to break the record of India. Around 70,000 Pakistanis gathered at the stadium to sing the national anthem.

The stadium had previously been used to hold music concerts which left it in poor condition. Officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation which has its offices in the stadium are tight-lipped as the stadium is in full control of the Punjab Sports Board.

A former Olympian said he was in consultation with other stars of yesteryear and they were likely to hold a protest at Liberty Chowk on Friday.

Meanwhile, PM’s special assistant Atta Tarrar has sent a legal notice to the chief secretary Punjab, the commissioner Lahore and DG Sports Board on the matter of removing AstroTurf from Lahore’s stadium ahead of PTI’s power show, according to a report.

DAWN
 
Former Pakistan hockey players gathered here at National Hockey Stadium to stage a protest against holding a political gathering.

The National hockey stadium's AstroTurf was scrapped completely after Punjab Sports Board (PSB) allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public gathering led by their chairman Imran Khan on August 13.

Preparations for the political gathering are in full swing. Meanwhile, some of the former international hockey players reached the stadium to protest against destroying a ground for political means.

The protestors while holding placards chanted against the PSB amid PTI workers making efforts to stop them.

On Wednesday, a video went viral on social media in which labors can be seen removing AstroTurf from National Hockey Stadium. A lot of social media users criticized PTI and its chairman, who is also a sportsman, for destroying a playing turf.
 
PPP's minister, Shehla Raza, appointed as team manager for Pak Women Hockey team

Per multiple reports, Pakistan People’s Party Provincial Minister for Women’s Development Shehla Raza included herself as the team manager of Pakistan’s women’s hockey team traveling to Bangkok.

Though she said she was appointed by PHF (Samaa news).

Apparently, she had to make a twitter video to clarify the situation
 
MenInG said:
Former Pakistan hockey players gathered here at National Hockey Stadium to stage a protest against holding a political gathering.

The National hockey stadium's AstroTurf was scrapped completely after Punjab Sports Board (PSB) allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public gathering led by their chairman Imran Khan on August 13.

Preparations for the political gathering are in full swing. Meanwhile, some of the former international hockey players reached the stadium to protest against destroying a ground for political means.

The protestors while holding placards chanted against the PSB amid PTI workers making efforts to stop them.

On Wednesday, a video went viral on social media in which labors can be seen removing AstroTurf from National Hockey Stadium. A lot of social media users criticized PTI and its chairman, who is also a sportsman, for destroying a playing turf.
Click to expand...

Did they protest in 2014 as well when disqualified nawaz hosted a small gathering there?!

Also, PTI's intent was to host the jalsa in Islamabad, but rana qatil threatened to kill PTI women and children so they had to shift the venue to Lahore.
 
A-1 said:
Per multiple reports, Pakistan People’s Party Provincial Minister for Women’s Development Shehla Raza included herself as the team manager of Pakistan’s women’s hockey team traveling to Bangkok.

Though she said she was appointed by PHF (Samaa news).

Apparently, she had to make a twitter video to clarify the situation
Click to expand...

Billo should take over as PK team coach.
 
In a head-on with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the country’s governing body for sports, incumbent Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar was re-elected unopposed for another four-year term in the elections held here at a local hotel on Friday.

PHF’s acting secretary Syed Haider Hussain was elected as secretary.

According to a PHF press release, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) was represented by Ahmed Ali Rajput while Shahid Ali attended on behalf of the Sindh Sports Board (SSB).

The elections were held under the supervision of PHF’s chief election commissioner Chaudhry Mohammad Riaz.


Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) that started 45-minutes behind schedule, Khokhar refused to take the blame for the deterioration of country’s hockey by answering in negative when asked whether would it have been wise had he stepped down by accepting the greenshirts’ continuous failures in global-level competitions.

To a question pertaining to the ongoing tug-of-war between the PHF and the PSB, he said he has abided by the PHF constitution.

He attributed Pakistan team’s non-participation in the Pro-League in 2019 to paucity of funds which resulted in the country’s relegation in the FIH world rankings. “The funds were already approved but a change of guard of the government halted its release,” he maintained.

He recalled that Pakistan was ranked 12th in world rankings when he took over as PHF chief back in 2015. Presently, Pakistan is ranked 18th.

“Pakistan hockey team is a well-knit side and will rise again in a year’s time,” he remarked.

In response to a question about the accountability of certain officials regarding financial irregularities during the last seven years, Khokhar said he has carried out an inquiry against former secretary Shahbaz Ahmed and will soon submit it to the FIA.

He disclosed about having arranged Rs24 million from his own resources to keep the ball rolling besides meeting his travelling expenses from his personal pocket.

The PHF president said he will bring in former players having no vested interests to the fore for the betterment of the game.

He termed extension of the lease of the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium and allocation of Rs1500 million for its renovation as a major breakthrough. The first tranche of Rs450 million is expected to be released soon.

It is pertinent to mention that the 30-year lease of the stadium will expire next year.

Following are the PHF office-bearers:

Retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar (president); Saeed Khan, retired Maj Gen. Tariq Haleem Suri, Amjad Satti and Syeda Shehla Raza (vice-presidents); Syed Haider Hussain (secretary); Syed Zahir Shah (joint secretary); Shahid Pervaiz Bhindara (treasurer); Tanzeela Amir Cheema (women’s representative)

Women’s wing: Syeda Shehla Raza (chairperson), Sana Jamali (vice-chairperson), Tanzeela Amir Cheema (secretary)

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2022
 
KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president, Brig. (ret.) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar made a significant accusation against the former PHF Secretary Shahbaz Senior and accused him of corruption.

Khokhar, in a press conference here at Karachi Press Club after being re-elected unopposed as the president of PHF opened the pandora box as he alleged the former PHF secretary Shahbaz of corruption and claimed he would be handcuffed if the former opens the inquiry against him.

“I have the inquiry against Shahbaz Senior and if I open it today, he would be handcuffed,” said Khokhar.

The newly re-elected PHF President then questioned the calls for him to step down from the federation’s presidency and argued that the national team was performing better under his stewardship.

“For what should I take the responsibility when our team is fine?” Khokhar questioned. “When my tenure began, the [national] team was ranked 13th,” he maintained.

Khokhar also claimed that he had paid for the team’s participation at the Asian Games as well as his travel expenses, while also accusing former PHF office holders of corruption and promising to bring the offenders to justice.

“The corrupt individual steps down. I paid for the team’s tour to the Asian Games out of my own pocket. See how many trips I took over the course of five years and how much I paid for them all on my own,” he stated.

“If someone comes in accordance to my competency then I will leave. We will expose the corruption done by the previous secretaries,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that besides Khokhar’s re-election as the PHF President, Haider Hussain was elected as the secretary of PHF while Shahid Pervaiz Bhandara Finance secretary.

A-sports
 
LAHORE, Aug 29 (APP): Olympian Manzoor Hussain, known as Manzoor Jr., passed away here at a private hospital after cardiac arrest on Monday. He was 64.

Manzoor Junior, former captain Pakistan Hockey team, was part of the team which won bronze and gold in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics respectively.

The forward who made a name for himself through exceptional stick work was part of the hockey teams which won glory for the country in the 1978 and 1982 hockey World Cups.
 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The PCB is saddened by the passing of 1984 Los Angeles Olympics hockey event gold medalist, Manzoor Hussain Jr. He also played a key role in Pakistan's title wins in the 1978 and 1982 hockey World Cups. Our heartfelt condolences to Manzoor's family and friends. <a href="https://t.co/4OjJguOot9">pic.twitter.com/4OjJguOot9</a></p>— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1564211034159779842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
A new-look Pakistan hockey team is expected to feature in the 29th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup being held at Ipoh from Nov 1-10 as nine players of the national team have opted out of the camp that commenced at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium on Monday.

The nine senior players, who are said to be playing pro-league in England are Imad Shakeel Butt, Mubasher Ali, Hammaduddin Anju*m, Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Manan, Ghazanfar Ali, Moeen Shakeel, Ijaz Ahmed and Rizwan Ali.

The remaining 23 probables invited by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) reported in the camp and underwent a practice session, officials told Dawn.

According to officials, Imad and Mubasher who went to Birmingham with the Pakistan team to feature in Commonwealth Games have stayed back while the remaining who returned with the team, have travelled to England again.


“Imad and Mubasher, in a communication to PHF, have tendered their resignations on the pretext to give time to their families,” said the officials.

Besides Imad and Mubasher, Ahmed and Ijaz had obtained NOCs from the former PHF secretary Asif Bajwa while others have gone without permission. However, the PHF has cancelled their NOCs.

Asked about joining of Dutch coach Siegfried Aikman in the camp, the official said he is waiting for his visa and is expected to join the camp soon.

It is not the first time Aikman has missed part of Pakistan’s preparations for a major tournament. Ahead of the Commonwealth Games in June, the Pakistan Hockey Federation had applied for the single-entry visa category for the Dutchman in December last year instead of the multiple-entry category, which resulted in the head coach reporting to the camp days after it had already started.

The visa issues have now been sorted and Aikman to expected to arrive in Karachi soon.

Probables: Abdullah Ishtiaq, Akmal Hussain, Waqar, Abdullah Sheikh, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufyan, Mohammad Umar Bhatta, Rana Abdul Waheed, Ehtesham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Junaid Manzoor, Arbaaz Ahmed, M. Murtaza Yaqub and Zahidullah, Rana Sohail Riaz, Abuzar, Mohammad Shahzeb Khan, Arshad Liaquat, Ali Murtaza, Ruman Khan, Faraz, Abdul Hanan Shahid and Obaidullah Bhutto.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2022
 
LAHORE: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) prohibited the national hockey team from participating in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey as the board refused to grant the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event.

According to the details, the federal government had established a standing committee under the presidency of Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to look after the matters of national sports in the country.

The formation of the committee and until its decision regarding the hockey barred the PSB from issuing any NOC to a player or a team.

Consequently, the SPB refused to issue an NOC to the PHF for the national team’s participation in the upcoming Azlan Shah Hockey tournament.

It is pertinent to mention that the PHF received a formal invitation for this year’s event in June.

The national Hockey team, who last participated in the event back in 2013, has clinched the championship thrice in the past.
 
MenInG said:
LAHORE: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) prohibited the national hockey team from participating in Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey as the board refused to grant the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event.

According to the details, the federal government had established a standing committee under the presidency of Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to look after the matters of national sports in the country.

The formation of the committee and until its decision regarding the hockey barred the PSB from issuing any NOC to a player or a team.

Consequently, the SPB refused to issue an NOC to the PHF for the national team’s participation in the upcoming Azlan Shah Hockey tournament.

It is pertinent to mention that the PHF received a formal invitation for this year’s event in June.

The national Hockey team, who last participated in the event back in 2013, has clinched the championship thrice in the past.
Click to expand...

Do we know the reason why?
 
After finishing with a bronze medal in Sultan Azlan Shah tourney

Currently Pakistani is participating in FIH Hockey Nations CUP which is taking place in South Africa. The tournament consists of 8 teams, with 2 groups of 4 teams. The tournament acts as a promotion to the FIH PRO LEAGUE (top 9 nations participate in that league).

The winner of FIH hockey nations cup, qualifies for that league.

Pakistan has finished last in their group, Pakistan group consisted of teams like South Africa (host) Ireland and France.

Pakistan results
Pakistan lost to South Africa 6-2
Pakistan lost to Ireland 3-1
Pakistan and France played to a 3-3 draw.

The other group consisted of Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Canada.

South Korea finished 1st in that group followed up Malaysia in 2nd, Japan in 3rd and Canada 4th.

Pakistan will now play classification match with Japan on December 3rd.

A disappointing result indeed. I am realistic person, so I was not suspecting us to win the whole tourney, however I did suspect us to make it out of the group or finished 3rd at worst in our group.

I know Pakistan is going through a re-building phase, and i know a lot of the players are new, but the issue is that the rebuilding phase should have happened a long time ago. The team use to be able to beat or have close matches with South Africa, and Ireland, and now we can't even beat them, we also lost heavily to south africa in sutlan azlan shah match as well.

Pakistan Hockey has a long way to go, and the right things need to be done at the top, need to have a proper balance of youth and experience, and also try to get proper funding and support, and try to create a proper grassroot structure.

Hockey is our national game and is a great game in general to watch and play, I know hockey is dead in Pakistan, but I hope to see it be re-born and alive one day.
 
Pakistan draw against France after a thrilling contest in Nations Cup 2022
Pakistan will next take on Japan in match 14th

Pakistan put on a great display to secure a draw against France in the FIH Men's Nations Cup 2022 in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Abdul Rana scored a beautiful open-play goal to give Pakistan the lead in the ninth minute, but Pieter van Straaten answered just three minutes later with a fantastic goal.

Before half-time, Pakistan took the lead again. Afraz's effort appeared to have been well stopped by French goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry, but the powerful shot eventually found the back of the net.

Although Pakistan had a strong second-half start, they wasted a few excellent scoring chances, and France made them pay by tying the score with a clever deflection goal by Noé Jouin.

France was given a wonderful opportunity through a penalty corner with less than three minutes left on the clock, and François Goyet stepped up and gave his side the lead. With only 40 seconds remaining, Pakistan showed resilience by scoring from their own penalty corner thanks to Arbaz Ahmad.

The draw was encouraging for a young Pakistan side as they lost their first two matches against Ireland and the hosts South Africa, respectively.

After the draw, Pakistan finished last in the group with one point in three games.

Rana, who was declared player of the match, said: "I think this is a great result for us. France were the red-hot favorites before the tournament, so a competitive performance against them is good for us. It's great exposure for our young players to compete against European teams, and I think our future is very bright."

Pakistan will next take on Japan in the 5th to 8th place match of the Nations Cup on Saturday, December 3.

Geo
 
FI HOCKEY NATIONS CUP Pakistan results

December 3rd: Pakistan Lost to Japan 3-1 (5th-8th place semi-final)

December 4th: Pakistan beat Canada 5-4 to claim 7th place.


South Africa won the final by beating Ireland 4-3


Final Standings
1) South Africa
2) Ireland
3) South Korea
4) Malaysia
5) France
6) Japan
7) Pakistan
8) Canada
 
nextover666666 said:
FI HOCKEY NATIONS CUP Pakistan results

December 3rd: Pakistan Lost to Japan 3-1 (5th-8th place semi-final)

December 4th: Pakistan beat Canada 5-4 to claim 7th place.


South Africa won the final by beating Ireland 4-3


Final Standings
1) South Africa
2) Ireland
3) South Korea
4) Malaysia
5) France
6) Japan
7) Pakistan
8) Canada
Click to expand...

How come none of the top hockey countries are not part of this tournament?
 
rickroll said:
How come none of the top hockey countries are not part of this tournament?
Click to expand...

The top countries play in FI PRO HOCKEY LEAGUE,

This league is like division 2, the winner of this league gets promoted to the pro hockey league.
 
nextover666666 said:
The top countries play in FI PRO HOCKEY LEAGUE,

This league is like division 2, the winner of this league gets promoted to the pro hockey league.
Click to expand...

In that case it is disheartening to see Pakistan in the bottom 2 even in the second division league :facepalm
 
Sad state of affairs for Pakistan hockey. The men's team is ranked 17th, the women's team is ranked 58, below several small island nations. Nothing will change without investment of resources and that can only occur with macroeconomic strength. We have been leapfrogged by the likes of Vietnam and Ghana in macroeconomics.
 
rickroll said:
In that case it is disheartening to see Pakistan in the bottom 2 even in the second division league :facepalm
Click to expand...

What so you expect..nothing works in the country..nearly every org has been sacked dry by leeches. Pakistan hockey is at rock bottom and will continue to stay there as long as the govt doesn't help it..right now we have a gov that doesn't care..they simply care about their own...end of..
 
Pakistan hockey team head coach Siegfried Aikman has said that he is satisfied with the performance of the players but not with the results of the matches.

After returning home from South Africa, where Pakistan competed in the Nations Cup, while talking to 'The News' on Thursday, Aikman said that Pakistan team had reached South Africa just two days before the event, due to which the boys could not acclimatise properly. “Besides, they were much less experienced than the rivals,” he said.

“It is not an excuse but a reality. South African team had 10 Olympian players, Japan 10-12 Olympian players and other teams also had the services of many experienced players,” Aikman said.

He said that Greenshirts are not a blend of young and experienced players but all players were young except captain Umer Bhutta. They are passing through a developing period but are learning fast,” he said.

The head coach admitted that poor performance of PC drag flickers, defenders and goalkeepers was the reason behind the defeats. “But they will learn and improve as they play regularly rigorous and advanced hockey and get experience,” he said.

He said that Greenshirts failed to take advantage of goal-scoring opportunities.

He said that due to attacking game of forwards and creating good moves, Pakistan team got 22 penalty corners in five matches but scored only two goals. “That was our weakness – poor finishing. But the positive thing is that we are playing attacking game and the players have the ability to create opportunities of scoring goals,” Aikman said.

He said that when players acclimatised to the conditions, they played wonderfully against France who are 11th ranked in the world. Canada are ranked 14th. Aikman further explained that though the boys were inexperienced they did not come under pressure against any team.

He said that maximum number of international hockey matches against strong teams was the need of hour for Pakistan hockey team before the Asian Games 2023 so that players could get experience of present days advance hockey.

Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1018235-aikman-wants-matches-before-asian-games
 
Rs100m drawn from PHF accounts illegally, reveals audit

A hefty Rs100 million was drawn in cash from the bank accounts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation across 2020-21, according to the body’s audit — conducted by the Pakistan Sports Board.

The audit report — seen by Dawn on Monday — has recommended severe action against the officials involved in drawing cash directly from the PHF accounts — an illegal act according to its constitution.

The PSB ordered a special audit of the PHF after the body’s incumbent president retired Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar ignored the former’s order to conduct fresh elections earlier this year.

Khalid eventually went on to conduct the due polls, only to be re-elected for a second term as president but he may find himself in hot waters again when the audit report is officially released since he was at the PHF’s helm when the apparent corruption was carried out.

It is not the first time that cash has been drawn directly from the PHF bank accounts. In 2017, officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association had alleged that Rs116.5 million were drawn in the same way.

Then, too, Khalid was the PHF president while Shahbaz Senior was the federation’s secretary. However, no action was taken in response to the allegations.

DAWN
 
daytrader said:
Rs100m drawn from PHF accounts illegally, reveals audit

A hefty Rs100 million was drawn in cash from the bank accounts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation across 2020-21, according to the body’s audit — conducted by the Pakistan Sports Board.

The audit report — seen by Dawn on Monday — has recommended severe action against the officials involved in drawing cash directly from the PHF accounts — an illegal act according to its constitution.

The PSB ordered a special audit of the PHF after the body’s incumbent president retired Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar ignored the former’s order to conduct fresh elections earlier this year.

Khalid eventually went on to conduct the due polls, only to be re-elected for a second term as president but he may find himself in hot waters again when the audit report is officially released since he was at the PHF’s helm when the apparent corruption was carried out.

It is not the first time that cash has been drawn directly from the PHF bank accounts. In 2017, officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association had alleged that Rs116.5 million were drawn in the same way.

Then, too, Khalid was the PHF president while Shahbaz Senior was the federation’s secretary. However, no action was taken in response to the allegations.

DAWN
Click to expand...

Seems like thier is never any good news with Pakistan Hockey :(
 
Pakistan to miss World Cup with heavy heart

Four leading Asian hockey-playing nations will be seen in action in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 starting in Indian cities – Bhubaneswar and Rourkela – within nine-day time.

Three-time world champions Pakistan will be missing the 16-team event following their inability to finish among top four spots in the Asia Cup. All the other Asian hockey-playing countries – India, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea – will be seen in action.

For the first time, sixteen countries are competing in the Hockey World Cup that earlier was restricted to just 12 countries.

Yet, Pakistan who are ranked 17th in the world are missing the four-yearly action.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1027000-pakistan-to-miss-world-cup-with-heavy-heart
 
daytrader said:
Pakistan to miss World Cup with heavy heart

Four leading Asian hockey-playing nations will be seen in action in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 starting in Indian cities – Bhubaneswar and Rourkela – within nine-day time.

Three-time world champions Pakistan will be missing the 16-team event following their inability to finish among top four spots in the Asia Cup. All the other Asian hockey-playing countries – India, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea – will be seen in action.

For the first time, sixteen countries are competing in the Hockey World Cup that earlier was restricted to just 12 countries.

Yet, Pakistan who are ranked 17th in the world are missing the four-yearly action.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1027000-pakistan-to-miss-world-cup-with-heavy-heart
Click to expand...



This is the second time Pakistan miss out of Hockey world cup (first time was in 2014)

The article states that this is the first time the hockey world cup will have 16 teams, but that is not true, 2018 was the first edition to feature 16 times.

Regardless not having Pakistan in the world cup is really sad.
 
Pakistan's prolific pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will play their role in reviving the national sport hockey.

Lahore Qalandars will collaborate with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to revive the national game in the country. Initially, Qalandars will make Karachi and Lahore teams to start their long-term plan for the betterment of hockey.

While talking about this project, Qalandars' owner Atif Rana said it will take just two-three years to get hockey on the right track.

"We will follow our cricket development process and revive hockey in the country," shared Atif.

"See, right now hockey is an emotional appeal. We need to make it financially strong as we did in cricket. It will take two to three years to make it financially appealing," added Qalandars' owner.

Qalandars aim to involve its brand and star cricketers in the promotion of hockey. Hence, they have initially involved their star pacers Shaheen and Haris in it.

"Hockey doesn't have stars right now. We need to create stars but for that, we have to attract eyeballs," said Qalandars.

"Shaheen will be the ambassador of the Karachi team and Haris will be of Lahore. When they both come on board, it will help us bring attraction on the screen," he highlighted.

Like the class of 2022 in cricket, Qalandars will shortlist players and support them in every aspect to make them world-class.

"We will hold matches in Lahore and Karachi. 20-22 players will be shortlisted and given sponsorship. If this model works, we will go to other cities and create city rivalry to give hype to hockey," he concluded.

GEO
 
daytrader said:
Pakistan to miss World Cup with heavy heart

Four leading Asian hockey-playing nations will be seen in action in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 starting in Indian cities – Bhubaneswar and Rourkela – within nine-day time.

Three-time world champions Pakistan will be missing the 16-team event following their inability to finish among top four spots in the Asia Cup. All the other Asian hockey-playing countries – India, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea – will be seen in action.

For the first time, sixteen countries are competing in the Hockey World Cup that earlier was restricted to just 12 countries.

Yet, Pakistan who are ranked 17th in the world are missing the four-yearly action.

...
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1027000-pakistan-to-miss-world-cup-with-heavy-heart
Click to expand...

Pakistan have won 4 world cups not 3.
 
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has imposed life ban on Olympian and former manager Khawaja Junaid.

The decision was taken by the PHF Inquiry Committee on Tuesday over the blunder of fielding 12 players during an Asia Cup match against Japan last year.


Pakistan failed to qualify for the super four of the Asia Cup, where Junaid was the manager of the national side, which meant that they were not able to qualify for the World Cup.

The Green Shirts lost an important match against Japan during the Asia Cup after one of their goals was disallowed for having 12 players on the field instead of 11.

PHF Legal Advisor Mian Ali Ashfaq also opened up about the verdict of the committee.

“Pakistan faced a lot of embarrassment due to Khawaja Junaid. Due to his misconduct, Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup,” said Ashfaq.

“The decision to ban him has been taken in line with FIH rules,” he added.

He also stated that Junaid didn’t appear before the committee to present his point of view.

“Committee had called Junaid to appear before the committee but he didn’t oblige,” he said. “The decision to ban him has also been approved by PHF president.”

Meanwhile, PHF Secretary Haider Hussain said that Junaid had told him over WhatsApp that “he was not responsible for the debacle”.

However, Hussain added that, according to FIH rules, this responsibility lies with the manager.

Despite Pakistan’s rich history in hockey, winning multiple Olympic Gold Medals and World Cup titles, the situation of the game in Pakistan has gone from bad to worse over the last couple of decades.

Pakistan failed to qualify for back-to-back Olympic Games, 2016 and 2022, while also missing out on the 2023 World Cup. They also faced the humiliation of missing a World Cup for the first time in their history back in 2014.


https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/22301-phf-imposes-life-ban-on-khawaja-junaid
 
LAHORE: Siegfried Aikman has resigned as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s hockey team.

According to Aikman, he was not paid his salary for the last one year which made it “impossible for him to continue working” with the team.

“A lot of promises were made but they were not fulfilled. I wanted to fulfill my commitment but it’s time for me to move on,” said Aikman.

The Dutch coach was roped in as Pakistan coach till 2026 in December 2021. He has previously served as coach of the Japanese team, which stunned the world by winning the Asian Games title in 2018.

The reason behind delay in releasing salary of Aikman is the rift between the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

Earlier, the four-member committee empowered to look into the PHF performance and to suggest future course of action has recommended immediate elections of the federation to help streamline affairs ahead of the Asian Games, Olympic Qualifying round and Junior Asia Cup.

The committee that met under Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Shoaib Khoso included former Olympians Akhtar Rasool, Shahnaz Sheikh, and Islahuddin Siddiqui.

In the meeting it was decided to forward recommendations to Patron in Chief, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting for appointment of a care-taker committee to hold free and fair elections.

One of the members of the committee told The News that the disaffiliated PHF did not bother to answer queries sent by the committee following the last meeting.

“We have shared Pakistan's performance in international hockey during the last seven years and have recommended that there is a dire need for a fresh beginning,” one of the members said. “An ad-hoc or care-taker committee should be formed to hold free and fair federations elections so that Pakistan hockey should be set on a right track.”

The committee also decided to write on the un-supporting behavior of the federation.

“The federation did not respond to all queries which were sent to them. The committee has been formed under the direct orders of the Prime Minister who is the Patron in Chief. The PM has got all the powers to decide on hockey affairs. The Federation's inability to cooperate with the committee is surprising,” the member added.
 
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Tuesday received a special fund for the preparations of the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in India.

As promised, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), following the directions of ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), handed over the cheque of Rs25 million to PHF's general secretary Haider Hussain.

The PHF secretary thanked PSB and IPC minister Ehsan Mazari for their financial support.

"We are thankful to PSB and IPC minister Ehsan Mazari for giving us a special grant," he said.

After failing to get any financial support for the Asian Junior Cup held in Oman, the PHF finally succeeded in getting Rs25 million as a special grant for Asian event's preparations.

The event will be played in Chennai, India from August 3-12. Pakistan's participation in the event will depend on the government's permission.

The Asian Champions Trophy was last held in Dhaka in 2021. South Korea defeated Japan in the final on penalties to win their maiden title. India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in the bronze medal match.

India and Pakistan are the most successful teams in the Asian Champions Trophy. The Indian men’s hockey team won the title in 2011 and 2016. Pakistan and India shared the honours in the 2018 edition held in Oman after the final was called off due to heavy rain.

It must be noted here that PHF has called 45 players for training camp in Lahore. The camp kicked off today.

Probables for training camp

Goalkeepers: Abdullah Shafique, Akmal Hussain, Ali Raza, Mohammad Faizan Janjua, Waqar, Abdullah Sheikh, Bilal Khan

Defenders: Arbaz Ahmed, Mohammad Sufiyan Khan, Mohammad Abdullah, Aqeel Ahmed, Mohammad Bilal Aslam, Saad Shafique

Midfielders: Junaid Manzoor, Ihtisham Aslam, Mohammad Murtaza Yaqoob, Mohammad Baqir, Arbaz Ayaz, Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Mohammad Zain, Mohammad Amad

Forwards: Rana Abdul Waheed, Mohammad Umar Bhutta, Afraz, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Roman, Mohammad Shahzaib Khan, Usama Bashir, Mohammad Imran, Arshad Liaquat, Abdul Wahab, Abdur Rehman, Zikriya Hayat, Ali Murtaza, Basharat Ali, Abdul Qayyum, Bilal Akram, Mohammad Adnan, Rana Sohail Riyaz, Waqar Ali, Shoaib Khan, Abdul Wajid, Taimur Javed Khan, Syed Shehbaz Haider, Mohammad Arsalan
 
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has released the salary of Siegfried Aikman, former coach of the national hockey team.

The cheque of Aikman’s pending salary amounted to Rs10.3 million.

“The Pakistan Hockey Federation has received a cheque of Rs10.3 million from the PSB for Aikman’s pending salaries,” the PHF said in a press release here on Thursday.

The 64-year-old Aikman was disappointed over the treatment meted out to him by the PSB which failed to pay his salaries, an unfortunate scenario which ultimately led to his resignation. He had clearly yet politely mentioned this as the reason for leaving in his resignation letter.

DAWN
 
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on Friday, unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

As per the statement released by the AHF, the six-team tournament will run from August 3 to 12 in Chennai.

The tournament will begin with Korea and Japan playing the first game, while hosts, India will play the third game of the opening day when they take on China.

The six-team tournament will see Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China, and India battle it out for top honours. All the participating teams are placed in one pool and the positions on the points table will be decided by a league system.

Pakistan will start their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy campaign against Malaysia on August 3 before taking on Korea on August 4, Japan on August 6 and China on August 7.

The green shirts will then lock horns with arch-rivals India in their last round fixture on August 9.

The final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be held on August 12.

Notably, Pakistan and India are the most successful sides of the tournament, having won the title thrice each while Korea will participate in the upcoming edition as the defending champions, who won the previous edition in 2021.

Notably, the training camp of the shortlisted players for the national team to participate in the upcoming edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is currently underway at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore.

Earlier, the junior national hockey team participated in the Asia Cup where they reached the final.

Pakistan finished as the runners-up of the Junior Hockey Asia Cup after falling to a 1-2 defeat against arch-rivals India in the blockbuster final.

Heading into the blockbuster final, both India and Pakistan were unbeaten in the continental event.

The arch-rivals have so far come face to face in four Junior Hockey Asia Cup finals with India winning on three occasions – 2004, 08 and 23 – while the green shirts emerged victorious once in 1996.

Furthermore, before this year’s tournament both Pakistan were level as the joint-most title-winning sides (3) but India’s latest title victory propelled them to the record title holder of the Asian event.
 
CHENNAI: Pakistan hockey team concluded their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy journey at fifth position after handing China a thumping 6-1 defeat on Friday.
 
Pakistan lose on penalties against India in final of Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier.

Pakistan's hockey team was unlucky as they lost against India in the final of the Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier on penalties after the match ended 4-4 in the normal time on Saturday in Salalah, Oman.

Pakistani players could not convert any of their penalties during the shootout while Indian players scored two out of two and clinched the title after an eight-goal thriller.

Pakistan's Abdul Rehman scored the first for his side in the 5th minute but just after the two minutes, Jugraj Singh equalised for his side.

The Blues took the lead in the 10th minute with Maninder Singh finding the back of the net but once again, just three minutes after India's goal, the Men in Green scored another and levelled the game.

The first half ended 3-2 in Pakistan's favour as Zikriya Hayat scored another one for his side just one minute before the half-time whistle.

The second half saw a total of three goals. Arshad Liaquat scored for their side in the 19th minute but Pakistan's two-goal lead couldn't stand for long as India's Mohammad Raheel scored a brace in the second half and made sure that the match ended in a draw.

After the final whistle, Mohammad Murtaza and Arshad took the penalties for their side and missed.

Meanwhile, Maninder and Gujrot Singh were the penalty takers from their side with the latter hitting the winning shot.

Pakistan's skipper Rana Abdul Waheed remained the top-scorer of the tournament with 27 goals to his name while goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Both teams have qualified for the 2024 Hockey5s World Cup, which is set to be played in Muscat, Oman.

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Pakistan lose on penalties against India in final of Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier

The match ended 4-4 after normal time
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LAHORE: In a major setback for Pakistan’s national game, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) withdrew the hosting rights of the Olympic qualifying round from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday.

The qualifying event was to be held in January next year in Lahore.

“The FIH communicated this decision to the Pakistan Hockey Federation, citing non-cooperation and interference in the affairs of the PHF [by the government] as the primary reasons for the withdrawal. The FIH has withdrawn [the] hosting rights from Pakistan due to serious concerns,” said a PHF press release issued on Tuesday.

“International events necessitate government cooperation and support, provided by Pakistan’s government, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, and the Pakistan Sports Board. Organising an event like the Olympic Qualifier without the Government of Pakistan’s support is impossible. Hence, the hosting of the Olympic qualifier event in Pakistan is being withdrawn,” the release added.

“The PHF had secured the hosting rights for the 2024 Olympic Qualifier event on a global scale, marking their return to such a prestigious event since the 1990 World Cup and the 1994 Champions Trophy. The PHF had been diligently preparing for this opportunity. However, it is worth noting that India had voiced significant reservations regarding Pakistan’s role as host of the Olympic qualifier event. Former FIH president Narendra Batra had openly criticised Pakistan’s hosting decision and raised his concerns regarding the state of hockey infrastructure in Lahore.”

Meanwhile, PHF secretary Haider Hussain regretted the FIH decision.

“It is a disappointing decision for Pakistan hockey as we had done hard work to get the event from the FIH. It [Olympic qualifying event] could have revived international hockey in Pakistan, besides giving the country a better opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said PHF secretary Haider Hussain while talking to Dawn.

“Yes, India was against the allocation of this event to Pakistan, but who played the negative role of interfering in PHF affairs, which eventually resulted in making India happy?” he asked.

“The PHF did its best to get the Olympic qualifier and the last date to deposit the FIH fee for this event, which was around Rs15 million, was Aug 31 but our bank accounts were seized on Aug 28 on the advice of the PSB, so that we could not pay the FIH dues,” the secretary recalled.

“The PHF had also successfully completed negotiations with the Lahore Corps Commander office and DHA Lahore to provide sponsorship for the Olympic qualifying round for which a ceremony to sign the MoUs was to be held.

“But the PHF at this crucial juncture was forced to get involved in a no-confidence motion against me while the FIH was monitoring our infighting which made a case against the PHF and subsequently led to the withdrawal of the [Olympic] qualifying event by the FIH,” he said.

Due to the same attitude of the PSB, Haider feared, the country soon might also be deprived of the hosting rights of next year’s South Asian Games because “the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the PSB in this regard are not on the same page while the time is running short.”

Haider said it was likely that the FIH would now allocate the Olympic qualifying event to India.

“Whenever some positive development in the country’s hockey sector emerges, anti-hockey lobbies start a campaign just to protect their vested interests,” the PHF secretary lamented.

On the no-confidence motion tabled against him, Haider underlined that those who were on the forefront in the campaign against him, including Akhtar Rasool, Asif Bajwa, Rana Mujahid and Shahbaz Senior, were not even members of the PHF Congress to give their vote against him.

www.dawn.com

International Hockey Federation strips Pakistan of Olympic qualifier hosting rights over govt interference

The qualifying event was to be held in January next year in Lahore.
www.dawn.com
_______________________________________

This is a major story that has gone unnoticed. PDM government was a gift that still keeps on delivering. Our hockey base in the country is already crippled and sanctions like this might mean death of the sport in the country. From a sporty country we have been reduced to a 3rd world country where people are fighting on daily basis to put food on table.
 
The men’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers for Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will now be held in Oman instead of Pakistan from January 15 to January 21, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has said. The FIH revoked Pakistan’s hosting rights last month, citing recent occurrences involving the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). In August, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) suspended numerous PHF executives and ordered new elections.

One of the two men’s qualification tournaments will be conducted in Valencia, Spain, while the other will be staged in Muscat, Oman, rather than Lahore, Pakistan, as per Olympics.com. Each Paris 2024 hockey qualifying tournament will include eight teams, with the top three teams from each qualifying event making the cut for the Paris 2024 Games.
 
Pakistan secure semi-final berth in Sultan of Johor Cup
Pakistan U21 team's journey in the tournament saw them finish second in Group B

Pakistan emerged victorious over Malaysia with a final score of 3-2, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Sultan of Johor Cup.

Pakistan U21 team's journey in the tournament saw them finish second in Group B, narrowly trailing behind arch-rivals India on goal difference.

The high-stakes match kicked off with an exciting first quarter, where Abuzar exhibited exceptional skill, scoring a field goal in the 13th minute to give Pakistan an early 1-0 lead. Pakistan's relentless offensive efforts continued into the second quarter, with goals from Ahmad Arbaz in the 21st minute and Khan Muhammad in the 24th minute, both achieved through well-executed penalty corners. With a 3-0 lead at halftime, Pakistan seemed well-positioned for victory.

The third quarter remained goalless, but Malaysia staged a remarkable comeback in the final quarter. Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi and Shafiq Ikhmal Daniel scored through penalty corners in the 47th and 51st minutes, respectively, increasing the pressure on Pakistan. However, the Pakistan team managed to hold their ground, ultimately clinching a hard-fought 3-2 victory in this thrilling encounter.

Pakistan previously defeated New Zealand 3-2 while their game against India ended 3-3 after a thrilling encounter.

The semi-finals, slated for November 3, will feature India taking on Germany and Pakistan facing Australia. With the final match set for November 4, the excitement in the Sultan of Johor Cup continues to build as these top teams vie for the trophy.

GEO
 
Pakistan have been placed alongside Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada, Chile and China at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024. The qualifiers will be played between 13-21 January 2024, in Muscat, Oman.

The top 3 teams will qualify for Paris 2024.

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