September 3, 2003	Wednesday	Rajab 5, 1424

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LAHORE, Sept 2: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has become richer by Rs 10 million thanks to a generous grant by the Punjab government.

However, the Punjab government intended to hand over the cheque at a special ceremony. But the proposal could not materialise as PHF was reluctant to accept it as it believes that performance of the national hockey team is not so impressive and critics are against such financial support to the federation.

PHF is allowed to use the grant on the promotion of the game by holding tournaments.

Punjab chief minister Chaudhary Pervez Elahi, announced the grant after a meeting with the PHF president General Mohammad Aziz Khan early this year.

Meanwhile, according to a press release issued by the Sports Board Punjab, the Punjab government has released an hefty amount of Rs 35 million for the renovation of the National Hockey Stadium. The amount has been given to Sports Board Punjab.

The board, will spend the amount on constructing a hostel adjacent to the stadium.

According to plans 100 rooms would be built in the hostel to provide accommodation to the athletes during the competitions.

The fund will also be used to make an international standard media centre, doping centre, elevators and renovation of enclosures.