Prime Minister demands answers over Pakistan's hockey embarrassment

E-Paper | March 01, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is also patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), has expressed concern over the embarrassing performance of the national team in World Hockey League and its failure to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics.

A day after Pakistan's shock defeat to Ireland, Sharif sought explanation from the PHF and the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination about the dismal state of the national sport and how a three-time Olympic gold medalist had plunged so low.

Read: ‘It’s doomsday for Pakistan hockey’

The premier also asked the ministry to firm up recommendations for the uplift of the sport with an aim to regain its past glory.

Pakistan failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in their illustrious hockey history after losing to Ireland 1-0 in the 5-8 position classification match of the Hockey World League in Antwerp, Belgium on Friday.

It was another low for Greenshirts who for the first time in the game's history had failed to qualify for the World Cup last year.

Read: Historic low as Pakistan fail to qualify for Olympics

Pakistan needed to finish at least in the 5th spot at the Hockey World League to have any hopes of getting a ticket to next year's Rio Olympics. But they were once again guilty of not capitalising on opportunities in front of goal.

“This is a dark day for Pakistan,” said Rashid Mehmood, as he left the pitch following Pakistan's defeat.

Sport

Pakistan ‘have underperformed’ says Salman Agha after T20 World Cup exit

Pakistan need huge win for semi slot as struggling Sri Lanka loom

Shoaib Malik denies rumours of fourth marriage, threatens legal action against ‘misinformation’

Awais Ali

Jul 04, 2015 03:47pm

And the Answer is you don,t have time to focus on Hockey, No funds for Hockey, no inspiration for Hockey in Media, Heroes of Hockey are dying, no advertisement for Hockey, no sponsorship for Hockey and infect there is no structure of Hockey now in Pakistan what is used to be at lower most level in towns, streets, schools, colleges and universities.

Recommend 0

Adil Jadoon

Jul 04, 2015 03:51pm

With Mr Sharof as patron in chief what else did we expect??? He should have thought of it before the loss rather then conc. on filling his belly with Nihari!

Recommend 0

Sumair

Jul 04, 2015 03:51pm

And we demand answers from this prime minister for being an embarrassment unto himself and Pakistan

Recommend 0

Sandhu

Jul 04, 2015 03:53pm

Sir where is Hockey in Pakistan? Where are our Olympians and flying Horses? Tell your new Generation about Pakistan Hockey that we won most no of World cup 4, 3 champion trophy, 3 Olympic Gold Medals, 8 Asian Games, 6 Asia cups and many more but he would reply you and will say are you joking??

Recommend 0

Jul 04, 2015 03:53pm

PM has no right to demand when he has no time to focus on Hockey and provide funds. Just demanding explanation will not solve the problem.

Recommend 0

M Jamal

Jul 04, 2015 04:05pm

Akhtar Rasool type of people are responsible for this hockey debacle.Please form a supervisory team of past players who are in background and never ever represent hockey federation.These are the real heroes of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Ali

Jul 04, 2015 04:07pm

Is that a priority for a Pakistani PM to find out what happened with his shabby hockey team? Mr. Sharif you have too many problems at hand with your country. Just pay a little bit more personal attention and action. Demanding reports and issuing meaningless edicts does not solve any problem.

Recommend 0

Ansir.khan

Jul 04, 2015 04:07pm

If only Pakistan hockey was a mass transport Mr. Prime Minister...

Recommend 0

Jul 04, 2015 04:08pm

What does the prime minister knows about hockey or sports in general. Patronage appointments have destroyed pakistani sports any semblance of achieving any success at international level.

Recommend 0

Patriotic

Jul 04, 2015 04:12pm

We demand answers in the way you are running the government, Your Excellency !!

Recommend 0

salman

Jul 04, 2015 04:13pm

The answer is you Mr. PM and the the previous PM. You people are not leaving any funds for the country. We don't blame players and management. How they can get good result without proper support?

Recommend 0

Vijay from Bangalore

Jul 04, 2015 04:16pm

It's good that PM is asking explanation about this. ..but I feel it's little weird for him to seek this information...at his level he must be looking at other major issues that country is facing ...I have never heard a PM seeking report on such matter....truly strange...

Recommend 0

Starique2015gmail.com

Jul 04, 2015 04:17pm

Why PM should have interest? This is not metro bus? Why PM should have interest? This is not a energy plan. Why PM should have interest? This is not a highway project. PM job to focus on money making project to fulfil his own interest. National game, nation building, Heath and education is not of his agenda.

Recommend 0

Ikram

Jul 04, 2015 04:23pm

The report will blame the players, no one in PHF and no one in the government and that will be the end of it. I believe hockey is dead on Pakistan. It has and will be a distinctly fond memory for those of us who were around during the 70's and 80's.

Recommend 0

wshaikh

Jul 04, 2015 04:24pm

We need an infrastructure to promote sports by increase funding, proper training, exercise, diet and zero tolerance for corruption. Selection should be based on merit. Modern and scientific techniques in training should be used.

Recommend 0

Khaled

Jul 04, 2015 04:27pm

How very naive of him , its the nation which should be demanding an answer from him!

Recommend 0

citizen

Jul 04, 2015 04:30pm

Glad to know that PM knows about Hockey...

Recommend 0

raja hindustani

Jul 04, 2015 04:46pm

How come Pakistan Hockey Team is answerable to Prime Minister of Pakistan?

Recommend 0

Emad

Jul 04, 2015 04:47pm

Feel proud of Pakistan players; well done. Shameful thats these sons of soil were on $20 per day allowance. PM and all other incompetent management need to point the finger of blame towards them selves

Recommend 0

Dipak Singh

Jul 04, 2015 04:49pm

After emerge of Cricket in India & Pakistan after 1984 both the country downfall in Hockey skill.. & popularity vise verse.

Recommend 0

Saira Khan

Jul 04, 2015 04:50pm

Who needs hockey when we have metro bus? I'm not an insafian btw

Recommend 0

Muhammad

Jul 04, 2015 04:56pm

So early action, waited for this to happen. The PM himself responsible for favoratism in hockey and cricket. He must ask himself.

Recommend 0

Syed Ahmed, Canada

Jul 04, 2015 05:02pm

Mr. Sharif has sought explanation from the PHF and the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination about the dismal state of the national sport and how a three-time Olympic gold medalist had plunged so low. Will the PM answer how and why over 17oo commoners died in Karachi in few days heat spell, where as none of the member of ruling elite was effected? Why there was no water, no electricity, inadequate arrangements in the hospitals to cater for the emergency?

Recommend 0

excalibur

Jul 04, 2015 05:05pm

shows the priority of the PM rest is being handled by the Army

Recommend 0

L.Ahmad

Jul 04, 2015 05:17pm

Embarrassing is the shortage of power, water, medicine, education & welfare of poors. Seek answers over actual issues. Hockey is only a game that does not affect deprived of Pakistan. You have got your priorities wrong.

Recommend 0

Imran

Jul 04, 2015 05:17pm

Mr. PM nobody is with you in this case. Just read the comments of all

Recommend 0

Haider Rehman Real

Jul 04, 2015 05:17pm

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is also patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)" Why is Nawaz Sharif the patron in chief? Why no professional person?

Recommend 0

salim

Jul 04, 2015 05:23pm

lets concentrate on Kashmir... who cares hockey or cricket

Recommend 0

Third Umpire

Jul 04, 2015 05:26pm

Besides mismanagement at all levels, one big contributory factor of Pakistan's poor show is that the European teams have improved their performances manifold during the past 30 years or so. Astro turf does not suit the subcontinent teams like Pakistan and India as they do not possess the physique, fitness and stamina required to play on Astro turf where the pace of the game is very fast compared to grassy grounds of which we were champions.. Pakistan lost to Ireland 0-1 and India lost to Belgium 0-4 are good examples to substantiate my observation.

Recommend 0

Omer khan

Jul 04, 2015 05:26pm

Mr Prime Minister can you answer these questions before you question someone else? Reasons for corruption? Reasons for poverty? Reasons for homelessness? Reasons for joblessness? Reasons for killing ? Reasons for load shedding? Reasons for hungriness? Reasons for economy? All those points to you and your band Wagon followers .... so who is going to explain that ????

Recommend 0

mjk

Jul 04, 2015 05:32pm

When Mian Sahib finds time from frequent travels , he will pay attention to the dismal state of field hockey

Recommend 0

Tamza

Jul 04, 2015 05:38pm

Loadshedding of hockey power! While those in 'power' do whatever they do but do what they should be managing and doing. Everything is a process, and must be nurtured over time - like a growing baby.

Recommend 0

Rashid Minhas

Jul 04, 2015 05:39pm

True Answer is Metro. 150 dollar per match is the fee for a National hero. How cheap they all are. Does PM spent a peny to build any sports center n to support such activities? Probably not. Then no is answerable to him. They play national game on their own budget. No one can ask for explaination. Nawaz n Zardari is the worst time for all of us.

Recommend 0

Juggernaut

Jul 04, 2015 05:43pm

Why prime minister involved in such issues...doen't he had other important work to do..

Recommend 0

John Smoth

Jul 04, 2015 06:28pm

It is far too late to call for inquiry into the shamefull state of Pakistan Hockey. It is no different than any other state of affairs in Pakistan as the corruption is nae of game. Government should have known long before as the decline in hockey did not happened just with the latest embarrassment. We missed the commonwealth games in 2013. So why cry now. It hurts and my heart is crying like other proud Pakistanies. It is time to start with a clean slate and start from the grass roots level.

Recommend 0

Shahid Almani

Jul 04, 2015 06:34pm

Political influences always destroy institutions,when no merit in this regard.I think top management responsible for such results.

Recommend 0

Talha

Jul 04, 2015 06:35pm

This again is a political gimmick from The current govt. Everybody knew months ago that we have been suffering in hockey where are players aren't paid and no proper competitions organized. Everybody knew this was coming. If Nawaz Sharif was so serious about hockey then he would have taken action then. What is the point of being the hero now when we have already been humiliated and when the damage has already been done. This response from Mr. pm would still have been fine if it would guarantee a Hockey prospering in Pakistan but this won't. Next time we would see Nawaz Sharif talk about hockey when we lose against Ethiopia or we might not even reach that stage.

Recommend 0

Jul 04, 2015 06:47pm

Metro sarkar management cricket is also going to have same blow as pakistan cricket point are low if 8 teams are competing in next word cup Bangladesh have already secured a space of 7 which leaves west indies and Pakistan to fight for 8 position.

Recommend 0

Muhammad Umair

Jul 04, 2015 06:52pm

Win Or Defeat Is A Part Of Game But My Hockey Should Improve their game And govt issued funds for hockey's ferdration b.cause they dont have support :(

Recommend 0

Last Word

Jul 04, 2015 06:54pm

Nawaz Sharif should do some self searching of mis-management and poor governance in all fields in Pakistan but putting blame on others for the same.

Recommend 0

Ragu

Jul 04, 2015 06:55pm

Before ministers start getting involved they should check to see how Cricket players get treated in comparison to Hockey players; India and Pakistan are humiliated by the world teams, even from countries in which hickey is not a major game. Astro-turf and the fast physical style also has given the more athletic teams a huge advantage.

Recommend 0

musdassir

Jul 04, 2015 07:05pm

time we can have some matches with bangladesh

Recommend 0

skeptic

Jul 04, 2015 07:10pm

He should begin by asking this question to his crony in crime Akhtar Rasool

Recommend 0

Usman

Jul 04, 2015 07:11pm

Politics have killed the hockey PPP Qasim Zia and PML-N Akhtar Rasool responsible for killing that game.

Recommend 0

lafanga

Jul 04, 2015 07:16pm

Isn't it rich that PM "demands" answer when his cronyism is what killed hockey in Pakistan and is about to kill cricket as well. When was the last time PM actually took notice of hockey. Not only this PM but previous govt as well. They don't support sports financially, put their own cronies, who won't recognise sports if hit them in the face, to run sport bodies and then they get shocked when Pakistan fails at international level.

Recommend 0

lafanga

Jul 04, 2015 07:20pm

Ok here is the answer. Pakistan hockey doesn't have funds, there is no adequate domestic infrastructure to groom and train young talent, players have no motivation to win and last but not least, you are patron in chief of hockey. Now what are you going to do about it Mr. PM?

Recommend 0

Jul 04, 2015 07:21pm

Too little too late PM!

Recommend 0

Ashraf

Jul 04, 2015 07:43pm

Look in the mirror

Recommend 0

Jawwad

Jul 04, 2015 07:48pm

Ha ha what an irony for PM to ask the question. After politicians encroaching every single piece of public park in the country turning it into commercial properties for the last 30 years leaving absolutely not a single piece of land for common man to even trying playing a game of hockey or any other sport for than fact and having the audacity to ask why were are no longer good at sports? So where should the children play? This is the reason Mr. PM our children have stopped playing sports and picked up the guns because there are no more grounds to play sports on.

Recommend 0

Farid Hussain

Jul 04, 2015 07:52pm

Surprised he doesnt know the answer while all the hockey and other sports get is the political interference and government involvement, with vested interest driven people on top of the all sports board............Cricket is probably next to go. It has happened to squash and since long is happening to Hockey, with players at some point protesting about their poor financial health and welfare, which is very true

Recommend 0

Aziz

Jul 04, 2015 07:54pm

Mr Sharif, as a citizen of Pakistan, I ask demand explanation from you. Why did we not qualify for the Olympics? You are the Patron In-Chief. YOU need to answer to us, the Pakistani citizens.

Recommend 0

Amarnath

Jul 04, 2015 07:59pm

PM demanding reason for Pak team poor performance? people..... don't you see a problem here? The PM has no other job!

Recommend 0

hyat

Jul 04, 2015 08:02pm

Answer is money and facilities.

Recommend 0

Ibrahim

Jul 04, 2015 08:03pm

Mr Prime Minister! You do not need to look far. Your imperial majesty, along with your stable of ministers, family members, and court jesters, have brought the entire nation, just not hockey to a all-time new low...

Recommend 0

Progressing

Jul 04, 2015 08:10pm

I see a motorway or a bus service coming soon to replace the hockey team.

Recommend 0

Raza Ullah

Jul 04, 2015 08:14pm

What a joke really what the Prime Minister stat is saying about the state of hockey in Pakistan. Prime Minister's incompetent cronies, corruption and gross lack of gross root structure, and the utter lack for funds for the poor players has destroyed this game in Pakistan. Appoint me the President of PHF and I will show you what honesty and trust in players with merit can do.

Recommend 0

Ali

Jul 04, 2015 08:16pm

Answer is generals judges waderas and politicians have looted all money so none is left for healthy sports activities. Bring them to justice and everything will work well

Recommend 0

IFTIKHAR KHAN

Jul 04, 2015 08:22pm

Spread the game among masses and rest will be irrelevant.

Recommend 0

Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 08:22pm

Field Hockey is also Ireland's national sport. There it is called by it by different name. They are a far cry from rookies.

Recommend 0

Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 08:25pm

@JA ..... He might be a field hockey fan, rather than a cricket fan. Let's ask him.

Recommend 0

Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Jul 04, 2015 08:31pm

Mr. PM : Demand an explanation for the reason of other important things. Why hockey will be any different when the " well connected " will manage and play only. Surprised!, you should not be.

Recommend 0

Azam Qadeer

Jul 04, 2015 08:34pm

give jobs basis on experience not favor, cricket same issue, govt same. what can you do Mr. Shariff

Recommend 0

Cyrus

Jul 04, 2015 08:34pm

@wshaikh .... Grassroots professional teams must have sports management to seek loans for stadiums, sell tickets and pay salaries. All sports cannot be government funded unless we live in Russia.

Recommend 0

Mohammad Iqbal

Jul 04, 2015 08:48pm

Too late Prime Minister. You are patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) where were you before? All signs were there.

Recommend 0

Blue Saffron

Jul 04, 2015 08:50pm

Isn't it late for these answers? Should have been asked before. The writing was on the wall. Pathetic.

Recommend 0

sid

Jul 04, 2015 08:52pm

PM demands answers for the poor performance by the Hockey team, BUT doesn't demand answers for the poor performance of his government?! - He has his priorities all wrong (as expected)

Recommend 0

Just saying

Jul 04, 2015 08:56pm

Again reactive instead of proactive.

Recommend 0

Sal

Jul 04, 2015 09:19pm

Embarrassing day for all Pakistanis. Pakistan 's national game and fail to qualify. Utter failure from management to infrastructure.

Recommend 0

MJK

Jul 04, 2015 09:21pm

When you lose to Ireland, a team that you never heard of, a team at the bottom of the heap, first man who should resign , Akhtar Rasool, president of PHF.

Recommend 0

Junaid

Jul 04, 2015 09:26pm

In fact fans are asking this question from PM. as the chief of everything. He likes to be head of every department but doesn't know what does it take to run these organizations. I have a advice for PM. to please run PHF democratically, bring in the capable people and treat them fairly. You can not prepare a bunch of 11 player who will do the magic and nothing to back them up. Hockey should be promoted at the school level to achieve any success at the top level.

Recommend 0

Denali

Jul 04, 2015 09:39pm

The PM should first fund this team. Most of the players have not been paid. Either the Govt. should fund them or let the private enterprises fund them.

Recommend 0

Reem

Jul 04, 2015 09:41pm

Oh finally he notices, an afterthought! Should have asked when we didn't qualify worldcup, something could have been done by now...

Recommend 0

a ali

Jul 04, 2015 09:48pm

he have no right to demand such answers as they rest with his own inaptness...

Recommend 0

Rogers Evans

Jul 04, 2015 09:51pm

When politically-afiliated and non-professionals are appointed at the helm of a sport, such results are no surprise, Mr Prime Minister. Same has happened in cricket and is going to happen again when cricket team does not qualify for Champion's Trophy Tournament. In cricket , it satrted with appointments of Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi. Theses both and Sheikh Shakil are political appointees and do not know th ABC of the game. Moreover Hockey or Cricket or Squash are not properly coached or funded. Investgating persons will give you report of your choince, Mr PM. Good luck with your inquiries, Sir ????

Recommend 0

Faisal

Jul 04, 2015 09:52pm

Team doesn't have funds to buy uniform and its all done through donations from local businesses. What can you expect from them?

Recommend 0

Rohit Sharma

Jul 04, 2015 10:06pm

A failure in one game is not a matter of Prime Minister Pakistan please grow up

Recommend 0

Waheed Noor

Jul 04, 2015 10:09pm

They did not play well. They lost. What else there to know?

Recommend 0

wellwisher

Jul 04, 2015 10:11pm

India and Pakistan should play at least 10 matches each year and both countries will reach to top.Plus major hockey tournaments should involve teams from both nations.And no unsportsman like behavior.

Recommend 0

ulta_sharif

Jul 04, 2015 10:22pm

If Prime Minister also started demanding answers who will actually provide the answers? His job is to answer the questions when asked by the Public. He was elected and sent by the Public to do this job and answer these questions . This is his responsibility and he is answerable to the public. This falls under Sports Ministry and its conduct and he is the leader -and selector-of all those Ministers and thus directly responsible.

Recommend 0

N. Saqib

Jul 04, 2015 10:31pm

First, players should not be responsible for the administration...Players can be coaches and selectors. Second, we need to go back to our way of playing hockey. We need to remember Hockey is more about technique then power. We need to get out of this helter skelter hockey.

Recommend 0

Jaago

Jul 04, 2015 10:31pm

Patronage? Is this a system where the "king" (PM) doles out funds as he sees fit? How about putting the game in hands of past greats like Shahbaz Ahmed, etc?

Recommend 0

NASR

Jul 04, 2015 10:33pm

It did not happened today. Everyone saw it coming for a long time. Pakistan hockey is dead. To revive it you will have to start from school. Do you see anyone playing hokey in school and colleges anymore?

Recommend 0

Jul 04, 2015 10:57pm

This is what Pakistan performance is outside. Reality check. We ahead in corruption and nepotism from any any other country. This will continue we not make changes to improve it

Recommend 0

Mohammad Ali Khan

Jul 04, 2015 11:00pm

Sharif should know the open secret.Corruption every where is the cause of decline.

Recommend 0

waqar

Jul 05, 2015 12:01am

the P.M.

Recommend 0

Agha Ata

Jul 05, 2015 12:08am

Mr. Prime Minister, I can tell you the real reason. It is not only hockey, it is cricket, PIA and Railways, the list is very very long. The whole nation has lost its self esteem; they have lost interest and they dont expect better.

Recommend 0

whats in a name

Jul 05, 2015 12:31am

Last thing that the PM of Pak need to worry now is their Hockey performance. Can a PM engulfed in solving so many problems can really think about Hockey. Can it not be allowed to be run by professionals and handle the situation ?

Recommend 0

Jul 05, 2015 12:34am

I watched that match, the way irish convert that pc is really good just astonishing. Your goli just clueless about that. The problem with hockey in subcontinent is cricket. It is attracting share of crowd from other sports. I really don't understand wht politicians doing in these federations they dnt know anything. To some extent we all responsible too because we don't cherish our hockey the way we did for cricket. Hockey in our subcontinent need care....those European are not better than our player's but they have fitness, they have AstroTurf what we have all we know. God bless hockey

Recommend 0

gfellow

Jul 05, 2015 12:39am

Maybe the PM DOES NOT HAVE DIRECT CONTOL OVER THE HOCKEY PERFORMANCE BUT HE DOES HAVE CONTROL OVER ELECTICITY, water, food.

Recommend 0

Imran Khan

Jul 05, 2015 12:44am

All teams trained for months for this tournament while Our team had no clue even a week before if they will even go. Explanation asked is another big joke.

Recommend 0

ALi Raza Syed

Jul 05, 2015 12:45am

the setback for hockey, this this because of our policies. lack of sports infrastructure keeps our youth refrain from sports activities. only few school/college has playground for their students. when we allow educational faudel to open the school/college/university in 1000 by 1000 building than where the student of that college goes to play hockey/football etc.in punjab punjab group of colleges is an example of this policy.such colleges do the sports activity for one or two day.only one or two days sports activities cannot produce the worldclass player.in my opinion our cricket also suffer same situation in near future.

Recommend 0

KUKA

Jul 05, 2015 12:48am

And we demand answer from Mr. Prime minister on not providing them adequate funds. A few weeks before I read in a newspaper that most of hockey players are playing in team without pay and even they spend their own pocket money for practice session and plane tickets to play abroad.

Recommend 0

Abu-Salmaan

Jul 05, 2015 12:50am

@Haider Rehman Real Yes, when the matters go into the hands of non-professionals then we shouldn't expect any better results, 'as you sow so shall you reap', now it's too late to cry over spilt milk. Everything in Pakistan reflects mismanagement except the Defense Forces.

Recommend 0

Naeem

Jul 05, 2015 12:53am

And the poor People of Pakistan demands answers over Pakistan's economical embarrassment form Prime Minister...

Recommend 0

waseem sarwar

Jul 05, 2015 01:17am

first pay them. how can we even expect our hockey team to compete against even India and Malaysia when you don't pay them. pay them, arrange a good foreign coach for them and we will be fine in long run.

Recommend 0

Abu-Salmaan

Jul 05, 2015 01:20am

So many embarrassments, have not made anyone shame proof yet?

Recommend 0

Abu-Salmaan

Jul 05, 2015 01:24am

@Awais Ali The answer is non professionalism in every field except the Defense Forces.

Recommend 0

Sreenath

Jul 05, 2015 01:48am

This is not specific to Pakistan. Same thing is happening in India too. I think the main difference is the fitness levels from countries like Australia, Germany etc. We are not behind anyone in skill level. What we need is a professional approach with foreign coaches and no political interference. The coaches should be given a free hand. Also talent should be nurtured from grassroots level. In both India and Pakistan, players come through the ranks and they get employed by some public sector enterprise after which their motivation to the game is lost. They believe they have secured their future then. This attitude needs to change.

Recommend 0

Faisal Shaheen

Jul 05, 2015 02:03am

Mr. Nawaz Sharif, you have to spend money on well being of the hockey team, all the monies that you and your cronies have put in your pockets, should have been invested on the athletes and the team, examples, more international competition, unbiased selection of the team base on their talents and skills, I guarantee you the team gave it all, of the all person you have no right to ask this questions, look at yourself and you will get the answers.

Recommend 0

Abdulla Hussain

Jul 05, 2015 02:11am

"Sharif sought explanation from the PHF and the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination about the dismal state of the national sport and how a three-time Olympic gold medalist had plunged so low" Pakistan hockey slide down has been taking place since long but no body cared about this national game of Pakistan. Things were going from bad to worst but no body cared, now when all is lost & team Pakistan is out of Olympics PM is seeking explanation now, as a patron in chief of hockey had our PM took out some time for this orphan game the result would have been better. What is the use of crying over split milk. What a shame for the tall talking management of hockey. Throw all of them out PHF & re-constitute a team on merit basis to lead PHF

Recommend 0

Afsar Qasim

Jul 05, 2015 02:35am

Answer is = power management + poor physical fitness+poor Captaincy.

Recommend 0

Zakeem

Jul 05, 2015 02:57am

Did the PM 'demand' an inquiry into Sind government and the centre's total failure during Karachi's heat wave? Only +1000 people dead. No big deal?

Recommend 0

Zak

Jul 05, 2015 03:07am

Now the patron chairman wakes up.

Recommend 0

izaz haque

Jul 05, 2015 03:18am

please!!!!!!how about some ownership for a change!

Recommend 0

N. Rahim

Jul 05, 2015 03:39am

And where were you Mr. Prime Minister, when the team did not have money to go play in the tournament, when an private person sponsored the team, when the promised money to the players after the Asia Cup never came? You are a disgrace Mr. Prime Minister. I wish PTI had pushed you for the success in hockey as well, then perhaps you would have showed some grace. Demanding answers now! What a shame.

Recommend 0

Rauf ali

Jul 05, 2015 04:08am

PM has no right for questioning he should be in emberassment because no fund for hockey feadration, no appreciate for hockey heros, no facilaties for players, only questioning is not the solution to the problem.

Recommend 0

Zoobear

Jul 05, 2015 04:09am

Too late.

Recommend 0

Saifur Rahman

Jul 05, 2015 04:17am

Lack of patronage and dedication. Gone are the days when Pakistan had men like Nur Khan.

Recommend 0

Observer

Jul 05, 2015 04:55am

Wake up Pakistan! Prepare to walk amongst giants.

Recommend 0

cat

Jul 05, 2015 05:03am

Maybe you should worry less about hockey and more about the terrorism in your country, and that which is coming into your country...... Work on developing education, school , and being more universally global.... Then this stuff can come behind that.

Recommend 0

Ayan Waqar

Jul 05, 2015 05:04am

'It's no use crying over spilt milk' Had PM donated 1/5 amount of his last year's foreign visits, we might have been a hockey super power.

Recommend 0

Malik

Jul 05, 2015 05:11am

Inspiration comes from the top as system of favourism been the order of the day in Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Amerali Meredia

Jul 05, 2015 05:16am

Well, Your Highness, PM. The simple answers are: (1) Players' morale is at its nadir. (2) Remuneration is negligible compared with cricket.

Recommend 0

umar

Jul 05, 2015 07:11am

Why governments meddle in everything instead of creating a system that requires no politians to police the various sports bodies like in other countries...

Recommend 0

Vorshal

Jul 05, 2015 07:59am

Take it with a pinch of salt but first congratulate Ireland for their better play!

Recommend 0