RAWALPINDI: A state-of-the-art women hockey academy was inaugurated on Thursday at Viqarun Nisa Postgraduate College for Women to give a major boost to women hockey.

The academy is named after Olympian Khawaja Junaid, who also attended the opening ceremony. Member National Assembly (MNA) from Rawalpindi Hanif Abbasi inaugurated the academy.

Besides others, MNA Daniyal Chaudhry, Political Secretary British High Commission Cormic Dreelan, Group Head Allied Bank Faisal Ghauri, Principal Zahida Parveen also attended the inauguration ceremony, says a press release.

“The ultra-modern astro turf, which presently costs around Rs35 million, was imported during the PML-N government’s last tenure, but unfortunately this asset was not utilitised till date,” said MNA Hanif Abbasi.

“I must appreciate Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy and Allied Bank for joining hands to make this facility functional for our female athletes. The college has around 6,000 students and I hope it will provide some shining stars for the national women hockey team,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Daniyal Chaudhry also expressed the hope that the initiative would have great impact on the students as well as the broader community.

According to press release, Olympian Khawaja Junaid said the academy was aimed at identifying and nurturing budding players to represent Pakistan at the national and international levels.

“We have provided experienced coaching staff for the academy, while Allied Bank will be providing financial support for the coaching purposes”, he added.

Faisal Ghauri in his remarks said Allied Bank was proud to support this academy as it would help promote women sports in the country.

“We believe in empowering our women. The launch of this hockey academy is a commendable initiative. I hope it will promote women empowerment and sports development,” he said.

Principal Viqarun Nisa College said her institution was known for its strong emphasis on female education and empowerment.

“I’m grateful to Khawaja Junaid for choosing this ideal institution for the academy. The college’s support for the academy will always be there,” she said. At the end, some 40 students of the college were given hockey sticks.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024