APPRECIATING the cricket team for winning the Champions Trophy is indeed a positive step but other sports like hockey also deserve special attention of the prime minister.

Hockey has been neglected in the past despite dismal performances at almost every international event. We must recognise hockey being a national sport. This sport must be accorded opportunities like cricket and other sports.

Olympian Samiullah has suggested that the current Pakistan Hockey Federation should be dissolved. This does not seem to be the solution as it will not promote hockey.

While there is a dire need for Astroturfs in each province, hockey can be revived only through hunting talent at a grassroots level as in the case of cricket in the form of PSL and domestic tournaments.

Players who earn fame for Pakistan must be rewarded to create more incentives among players for winning national and international events.

I suggest that 2018 should be declared a year of the revival of hockey in Pakistan.

Another essential aspect of hockey players is their fitness. Training camps must be held well before the commencement of domestic and international tournaments.

Riaz Akbar

Wah Cantt

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2017