ISLAMABAD: The glory days of Pakistan hockey will return as Prime Minister’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan Friday unveiled the government’s comprehensive plan to restore the national team’s dominance and nurture young talent.
In an interview with a private news channel, Rana Mashhood emphasized that the National Hockey League will be a game-changer for Pakistan’s hockey landscape, offering a unique opportunity.
He believes that this would not only improve their skills but also instill a sense of pride and ownership among the players.
“The government’s initiative to launch a national hockey league in December is proof of the Prime Minister’s vision to empower the youth and promote sports in the country,” he said.
By providing a world-class platform for young hockey players, the government aims to identify and nurture talent, which will enable Pakistan to reclaim its rightful place among the world’s best hockey nations, he added.
Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan credited the vision and direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the recent revival of Pakistan’s national hockey team.
He revealed that the prime minister has given clear instructions to revive the faded glory of Pakistan’s national game, which has been on the decline for more than a decade.
He expressed optimism that this momentum would continue and the Pakistan hockey team would soon regain its former glory and bring laurels to the country.
Rana Mashhood emphasized that the government’s efforts to revive Pakistan’s hockey glory go beyond the national team and also focus on reviving the provincial sport.
He revealed that meetings are being organized with various federations to prepare a comprehensive plan for the future of hockey in Pakistan.
This collaborative approach aims to ensure sustainable and structured development of sports, from the grassroots to the national level, he added.
He further explained that the revival of resort sports is essential to provide a platform for young talent to emerge and compete at the highest level.
Through collaboration with federations and stakeholders, the government is trying to create an enabling environment for hockey to flourish with a clear vision and strategy for success, he said.
This inclusive approach is expected to yield positive results and the Pakistan hockey team is all set for a triumphant return to the international arena, he added.
