LAHORE: Former Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Asif Bajwa announced on Tuesday plans to set up an int­e­r­­national hockey academy here with the collaboration of a German-based organization Education For Better Future (EFBF).

Addressing a news conference with EFBF chairman Dr Dietmar Clodo, Bajwa said the players would also get free education and their healthcare would be the responsibility of the academy.

“The country has given me a lot of respect and dignity and now it is time for me to return the favour by producing players,” Bajwa said.

“German hockey players would also visit the academy to impart training to the boys.”

Clodo informed that the EFBF doesn’t ask for any money or donation from any sector as it has its own resources to promote sports, education and healthcare in Pakistan.

“In the second phase, academies for football and cricket would also be established,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2016