KARACHI: The Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) on Saturday received a major breakthrough when the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) restored its hockey team after quarter-of-a-century and offered contractual letters to 16 promising players who were picked after a series of trials.

The letters were given to the players by KHA President Dr Syed Junaid Ali Shah and Director Sports KDA Khurram Arif at a press conference held at the KDA Officers Club.

Those who were present on the occasion were former Olympians Jahangir Butt, Iftikhar Syed, veteran hockey player and official Chaudhry Ashraf, KHA secretary Haider Hussain, KHA officials Gulfraz Ahmed Khan and Riazuddin and KDA hockey team coach Talat Mahmood.

Speaking on the occasion, the KHA president expressed his sincere gratitude to Director General of the KDA Nasir Abbas for acceding to their request by offering jobs to budding players and helping in the revival of the game in the country in general and the metropolis in particular.

He said this is the first drop of rain and he will soon unveil more good news, including laying of a mini-turf at the KHA Sports Complex.

Dispelling the notion of corruption through marriage lawns at the KHA Sports Complex, Dr Junaid become emotional while saying that after coming at the helm of affairs he, with the permission of the executive committee, renewed and revised the contract but, unfortunately, the party faltered after paying rent for two months.

Continuing, he said, the KHA had served a notice to the owner of marriage lawns to “clear the last five months’ dues and vacate the premises”.

Without mentioning any names, he went on to say that some elements were not happy to see the revival of the game and indulged in “unfair criticism”. It is on record that the PHF had also acknowledged the efforts of the KHA.

The orthopaedic surgeon said it was a good omen for all incumbent office-bearers of the KHA that their efforts had borne fruitful results within a year taking over.

He identified 18 events and activities organised under the aegis of the KHA within a short span of 10 months.

Laying stress for continuity, he said that the game had now come on the right track and should continue even if he or the secretary left the office.

He said, formation of teams other departments were also on the anvil.

The director sports KDA recalled that the institution had played a key role in sports in the yesteryears.

The KHA secretary said it was a proud moment for him and his team and he hoped that the national game would be revived akin to the past.

Iftikhar Syed and Gulfraz Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the players were awarded contractual letters which envisaged a salary of Rs12,000 per month for one year besides sports gear and other allowances.

Squad: Hunain Khalid, Abdullah Bokhari, Nadeem Akram, Babar Sadat, Mansoor Ali Tabassum, Faisal Raza, Anas Siddiqui, Taha Raza, M. Ismail Khan, Fazeel Khan, Aga Aun Ali, Badruddin, Zunair Khan, Obaidullah Bhutto, M. Osama, Abul Nasar.

Officials: Hanif Khan (honorary chief coach) and Talat Mahmood (coach).

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2017