KARACHI: Although it may sound strange at the moment and raise many eyebrows, the cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is seemingly losing its interest in the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium.

There are many reasons to believe it may happen with security concerns and financial constraints being the foremost. Security has been beefed up around the stadium making access difficult.

Commissioned on Dec 19, 1963 on a defence land, the HCP Stadium that has served as a venue for many spectacular events including Champions’ Trophy, Indo-Pak matches, apart from two National Games, is in dilapidated condition, a recent visit by this reporter reveals.

Broken chairs in the pavilion, a pile of sand behind the two goalposts, falling plaster from the roof and walls making the iron beams visible, broken slabs and an out-of-order electronic watch can be seen in what was once hub of sporting activities of the city.

One is unable to sit on chair in the main enclosure due to a layer of dust which covers it.

“Until huge funds are not injected for refurbishment, its condition will further deteriorate in the days to come,” said a source.

The financial health of PHF is appalling. When the incumbent president Akhtar Rasool took over the reign on Nov 23 last year, he found peanuts in the kitty and approximately Rs0.9 million liabilities of salaries of its staff in Lahore and Karachi.

It is pertinent to mention that when Gen Aziz was installed PHF chief in June 2000, HCP Stadium alone had a liability of over Rs10 million left by his predecessor which include Rs7.8 million for electricity, Rs3.1 million for water and Rs1.1 million for conservancy.

Like his predecessor, Akhtar is also looking for government grants to meet the challenges. Qasim Zia, who had become PHF president on Oct 15, 2008, according to reports, received Rs800,000 million special grant during his five years stint.

Banking solely on government is no solution for carrying out activities. However, it would be wise that the PHF should work out effective marketing strategies including arranging Indo-Pak ties in the UAE to fill its coffers.

As regards performance, former champions Pakistan finished a poor ninth in the junior hockey world cup at India in December which reflects the present scenario of game.

According to ground reality, foreign teams are not willing to visit Pakistan and to be specific Karachi due to security concerns. Even if any team agrees, the HCP may not be able to stage a match due to tight security in the surroundings.

“The HCP Stadium is an asset and provides easy access to sportspersons. It is need of the hour that it should be refurbished in the larger interest of city athletes,” veteran athlete Mohammad Talib, who runs Athletic Fitness School (AFS) free of cost inside the stadium, told Dawn.