LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmad Senior said on Thursday that the federation would launch its own league this year to engage local players in competitive hockey besides helping them earn handsome revenue.

“We want to help the local players who are roaming around in various counties participating in different leagues not only improve their game but also get financial benefits,” said the PHF secretary here at a local hotel.

PHF director general retired Brig Musarratullah Khan, former Olympians, coaches of senior and junior teams apart from members of the national selection committee were present on the occasion.

Shahbaz said the federation would soon start spadework regarding establishing its own league.

“Hockey needs patronage not only from the government but also from private sector to get it revamped on solid lines which will put the game on road to reclaiming it lost glory,” he maintained while urging both government and private sectors to come forward to extend financial help to the game of hockey.

The secretary said the PHF turned down FIH offer to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy as a wildcard entry because the federation aimed at rebuilding the team.

“Heavy funds were required for participation in the Trophy so it was decided to spend the amount on grooming junior players rather taking part in a tournament wherein our team could not have achieved the desired result,” remarked Shahbaz.

The PHF secretary said that the finances received from sponsors will be spent on the development of the game in the most transparent manner.

“Our aim is to make gradual improvement and to groom maximum number of junior players to infuse young blood in the national teams before ensuring their participation in international tournaments,” he said.

On the occasion, the PHF director general said the federation would soon unfold its ‘vision 2020 development plan’ for the betterment of hockey in the country.

“We will utilise available resources for the rapid development of the game and that is only possible when talent is identified and special emphasis is laid on the grooming of junior players,” he said, adding: “It is heartening that a private business house has come forward to lend support to hockey which is facing financial difficulties.”

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2016