HOCKEY has been in the media limelight for the last few weeks. Though much of it is in terms of criticism, it is a healthy sign that at least people are talking about the game that had apparently lost appeal with the masses. Also consuming enough media space are various plans that are said to be under the consideration of Pakistan Hockey Federation.
If newspaper reports are anything to go by, the PHF is planning some basic changes in the structure and management of the game. Since I am not privy to such consultations, I find it inappropriate to make any comment on the issue. What I can safely say is that such media frenzy about the game is a healthy sign, and I hope that something positive will come out of it.
As has been often the case with this column, I have to keep the fortnightly deadline and often have to write before the issue I am talking about has taken some concrete shape. These lines will appear on the 17th, while the PHF is expected to make an announcement on the 15th. This leaves me in an unenviable position of talking about things that are non-existent at the time of writing, but are expected to be crystal clear by the time the column appears in print.
Anyway, the PHF’s idea of developing a Pakistan Whites outfit to bridge the gap between the Juniors and the national sides, appears to be a good one and is likely to pay dividends in due course of time, provided it is run and managed on professional lines and on a sustained basis.
Another plan linked to it has been the league system involving the three frontline outfits. This, again, will be handy tool in PHF’s efforts to groom the youngsters. The major beneficiary of this league, which will be played in December in Lahore and Faisalabad, will be the Junior string, which will have a go at the Seniors and the Whites. Overall, it will provide the players a clear chance to prove their worth and standing in the overall scheme of things.
As the readers would recall, I have repeatedly stressed the need of investing in the Junior strings. This, as far as I am concerned, is the only way to manage the current crisis on a long-term basis. This may not pay the dividend immediately, but, then, the national side is already struggling to make a sustained impression on the international stage. So, we have nothing to lose. By investing in the Juniors, we will at least be ensuring that the future of our national game will be much different and better than what seems to be our destiny right now.
HOCKEY has been in the media limelight for the last few weeks. Though much of it is in terms of criticism, it is a healthy sign that at least people are talking about the game that had apparently lost appeal with the masses. Also consuming enough media space are various plans that are said to be under the consideration of Pakistan Hockey Federation.
