LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday invited former greats to a seminar wherein they put heads together to help the national governing body of the sport in introduction of a uniform hockey manual at grass-roots level.

PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed presided over the seminar which focused on getting input from the greats of the game to evolve a uniform coaching manual to be adopted at all levels.

In addition, the one-year performance of incumbent PHF set-up and its efforts for reviving hockey were also reviewed with the PHF secretary presenting the federation’s ‘Vision 2020’ programme for the revival and development of the game.

Around 20 former celebrated internationals, including six former captains, briefly spoke on various aspects and factors responsible for the decline of Pakistan hockey.

The seminar began with PHF’s presentation titled ‘Vision 2020’ which outlined the federation’s plans including revival of the game at grass-roots level and improving its profile.

PHF’s performance during its one-year tenure was also shed light on which, as per the presentation, includes holding of domestic tournaments such as the national championships for seniors, under-18 and women, introducing innovative formats through the 5-A Side and 9-A Side tournaments, international participation in events like the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Sultan of Johor Cup, Junior Asia Cup and under-21 tours of Germany, Netherlands and Spain.

The seminar also saw a brain-storming session in which not only the hockey stalwarts but also the workers at grass-roots level gave their candid opinions regarding the system of coaching which will be introduced at all levels in conformity with modern requirements.

It was also decided to form a committee which would not only recommend a coaching syllabus but also suggest physical fitness model hopefully helping Pakistan hockey to get players from the lowest level.

“We will be holding such seminars in other cities in due course of time to get feedback from those Olympians and hockey players who could not attend the seminar,” said the PHF secretary while talking to APP after the seminar.

He said the PHF would also welcome useful suggestions regarding preparing a coaching manual from those who are associated with coaching of hockey at grass-roots level.

“We will be forming a committee in due course of time which will be given the task to prepare the coaching manual,” he further said.

Published in Dawn September 21st, 2016