LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), amid financial problems, has paid the second installment of fine imposed on it by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for not fulfilling the commitment of fielding its national team in the newly introduced FIH Pro-League, last year.

The PHF, so far, has paid USD 30,000 in two installments to the FIH against the total fine of USD 100,000. The FIH had initially imposed a fine of USD 200,000 which was later reduced to USD 100,000 after an appeal to waive the fine was made by PHF president Brig. (retd.) Sajjad Khokhar.

It is widely believed that Sajjad was responsible for not fulfilling the commitment as he entered Pakistan in the Pro-league but could not generate enough funds to meet the expenses required to participate in it. The federal government and Pakistan Sports Board also turned a deaf ear to all the appeals of the PHF for funds which subsequently saw Pakistan skip the Pro-league.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2020