LAHORE, May 5: Punjab government will provide a package of Rs45m to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for creation of facilities and renovation of National Hockey Stadium for the 2004 Champions Trophy.

“ The package includes a special grant to PHF and its additional incentives are laying of two astro turfs at new centres, Gujranwala and Gujrat”, said Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan, secretary, PHF on Monday.

Chief Minister Punjab, Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi agreed to the package after a high level meeting with President PHF General Mohammed Aziz Khan.

The general briefed the CM that Pakistan has been allocated the Champions Trophy and the stadium needs renovation and addition of some allied facilities.

The package includes Rs 25m for renovation and modernization of National Stadium, Rs10m for a hostel and a special grant of Rs10m to PHF to run its activity programme.The laying of turfs are additional incentives given in the package.

The National Hockey stadium, world’s biggest area constructed in 1987-88 staged a number of events including World Cup and Champions trophy.

The stadium will be upgraded with the addition of a sports hostel, renovation and modification of VIP lounge, media enclosure, players changing rooms, installation of an elevator, uplift and beautification of the main building and repair of allied areas.

PHF secretary said the CM also agreed that two astro turfs be laid at Gujranwala and Gujrat.

“The Punjab Chief Minister assured to expedite the efforts for installing a synthetic turf at Bahawalpur stadium which was promised by Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2001.

The Chief Minister also agreed to provide a commercial plot on the pattern of Pakistan Cricket Board to build a commercial plaza for generation of funds,the CM also agreed to provide a piece to land to PHF at Lahore to establish a petrol pump so that the money from the source could sustain PHF office expenditure.

PHF official said the Chief Minister package is appreciable and would help supplement the efforts of PHF for the cause of hockey and revival of the game at all level enabling the country to fetch glory.—APP