KARACHI, Sept 21: Secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brig. Musarratullah lashed out at a recent media outburst on the performance of Pakistan hockey and described it as uncalled for.

“After finishing sixth and fifth in the last two Champions Trophy we won the bronze medal in Cologne in 2002” PHF scretary told a news conference at Hockey Club of Pakistan Saturday. “Team has produced better results in last two years” he claimed.

Giving the statistical figures, he said, since the present body took the reins of hockey in July 2000, Pakistan won 36 of its 55 internationals and losing 16 with three draws.

“With these results how one could ask PHF officials to step down. It doesn’t make sense” he said.

However he said despite this, a section of the media was creating a perception that hockey was at its lowest ebb.

He said you can describe Pakistan was at its lowest ebb when after winning gold medal in 1984 Los Angles Olympics, it slipped to 11th position in World Cup in London two years later.

The PHF secretary said all out efforts are being made to revive school hockey and the federation was also concentrating on grooming junior players.

He said because of this planning nine junior players are now inducted into Pakistan seniors which he maintained was a good progress.

Responding to a question about professionalism in hockey, he said several of Pakistan players are playing league in Europe and other countries.

He said apart from this, around 120 boys got contractual jobs in Pakistan Army, National Bank, PTCL, HBL and other departments which was another step towards professionalism.—APP