ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will launch a six-team Pakistan Hockey League in Lahore in March next year, the Pakistan Hockey Federation announced on Wednesday, in a bid to revive the country’s national sport and restore its standing among the world’s leading hockey nations.
The PHF said the league aims to attract corporate investment, bring internationally renowned hockey stars to Pakistan, expose Pakistani players to international standards of competition and create sustainable opportunities for the sport’s long-term development.
The league, which will also feature international players, was presented at a soft launch in Islamabad attended by senior government representatives, legendary Pakistani Olympians, sports leaders and private-sector representatives.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, was chief guest.
“Our hockey is on the right track,” Acting PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said, adding that reviving the sport required collective responsibility, professional management, long-term planning and a strong government-private sector partnership.
Mashhood said the government was committed to supporting hockey and investing in its revival, and assured continued backing for young talent and new opportunities for Pakistani players.
Wani said the federation’s priorities include improving the standard of hockey, strengthening infrastructure, attracting corporate investment and providing players with better incentives.
He said Pakistan had competed in the World Cup and won a medal at the Asian Games, while this year the federation had arranged a number of international tours and hosted an international team.
International coaches had been hired alongside local ones, with special focus on players’ fitness, and daily allowances had been increased.
“Good days are ahead for Pakistan hockey. Our commitment is to attract investment, improve sports infrastructure, provide better incentives to our players and create an environment in which Pakistan hockey can once again move forward on the path of progress and success.”
Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2026
