ISLAMABAD: Hockey coach Shahnaz Sheikh on Tuesday urged the Inter-provincial Coordination Ministry (IPC) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to grant the long due cash rewards to the national team according to the sports policy for their performance in the Champions Trophy and Asian Games.

Shahnaz said Pakistan stood second in the Champions Trophy and Asian Games. Therefore, according to the sports policy, each player should be given Rs 1 million by the IPC and PSB.

“I appeal to the IPC and the PSB to grant cash rewards to the players before their departure for the Olympic qualification round next month,” Shahnaz said, adding this will motivate the players besides boosting their confidence.

Talking about the Olympic qualification round, the coach said training camp will be held in Karachi or Lahore.

“The best 18-member squad will be selected after trials in the first week of June,” he maintained.

Pakistan team failed to get direct entry into the Rio Olympics after missing out on the gold medal at the 17th Asiad last year and will have to play the qualification rounds in shape of the World Hockey League semi-finals.

The recent tours proved beneficial for the team as well as individuals, Shahnaz said, adding: “The way the players are working on themselves it shows that Pakistan can still lead the world of hockey.”

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2015

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