Ranking cannot be improved without participating in international events, which requires resources, Pakistan Hockey has always had government patronage which won awards, Secretary General Pakistan Hockey Federation Olympian Asif Bajwa’s Media Talk at Press Club Lahore
According to details, Secretary General Pakistan Hockey Federation Olympian Asif Bajwa, during a media talk at a function organized by Press Club Lahore, enlightened the motives and factors behind the rise and fall of Pakistan Hockey. 1994 Sydney World Cup Gold Medalist and Pride of Performance Olympian Asif Bajwa said that hockey is one of the Olympic amateur sports and amateur sports are supported by governments or institutions around the world. He said that the past of Pakistan Hockey is full of honors. We are 3 times Olympic champion, 4 times world champion as well as Asian Games, Champions Trophy, Pakistan has made a name for itself and ruled in all the events of hockey world. Secretary General Pakistan Hockey Federation Asif Bajwa said that Pakistan Hockey has always had government patronage which has won awards. He further said that the non-participation of Pakistan in the pro-league had made matters worse and the Pakistan team had moved up from 13th to 17th position in the international rankings. The drop in pro-league resulted in decline in rankings and penalties. Secretary General PHF Asif Bajwa further said that other factors including the epidemic situation hindered the development of the national game and our teams could not get international exposure.
Secretary PHF Asif Bajwa said that now things have started to get better, Pakistan Junior Hockey Team is joining an international event like Junior World Hockey after eight years. He said that senior and junior teams couldn’t play at international level for more than two and a half years. PHF has been conducting training camps at the domestic level. Secretary PHF Asif Bajwa said that ranking cannot be improved without participating in international events, for which resources are required. He said that the annual budget of hockey in the neighboring country is 100 times more than our budget. President Press Club Lahore Arshad Ansari, Head Coach National Hockey Team Olympian Khawaja Junaid were also present on the occasion.