LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa on Friday said that the national team wouldn’t improve without featuring in international events while adding that government patronage is essential to help Pakistan regain its standing in the global game.

“We have the talent but we need to make a lot of efforts to help the game,” Bajwa said while addressing the Lahore Press Club. “Sport always needs the help of government to flourish and that remains key to us achieving our targets.”

Yet again, Bajwa lamented Pakistan’s inability to participate in the 2019 FIH Pro League after the government refused to grant funding to the team. It also meant Pakistan were unable to take part in the next season of the league last year as well as the ongoing third edition.

“Missing the inaugural edition meant our ranking slipped and we haven’t been able to regain that,” said Bajwa.

“Then, the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to international activity.

“We are now slowly and gradually returning to the international fold with our team participating in the FIH Junior World Cup in India and we need to ensure more participation to go forward.”

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2021