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KARACHI: Pakistan hockey star Hasan Sardar has offered the role of a mediator to resolve stand-off between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and estranged Olympians.
“Being former Olympian, I feel perturbed with regard to the ongoing controversy between some former hockey players and the PHF and wanted to play a role in resolving the issue,” the former centre-forward said on Sunday.
“Estranged Olympians and the PHF should come forward, sit together and resolve their differences to help revive hockey in the country,” he maintained.
Stating that the PHF should immediately pull out of the legal battle and respectfully invite the former Olympians to listen to their grievances, Hasan said that he is ready to help resolve the row between ex-Olympians and the PHF.
“It’s my earnest desire that the two parties come to terms with each other and I am keen to work for it,” remarked Hasan, who is also the former chief selector.
It is pertinent to mention that over a dozen Olympians including some of the former Pakistan captains like Islahuddin Siddiqui, Mohammad Shahbaz Sr, Shahnaz Sheikh and others wrote a letter to the prime minister, levelling allegations against the PHF that also included the accusation of human-trafficking.
“Today is the start of a new year and ex-Olympians and the PHF officials should sit together to resolve once and for all that they would only work for the betterment of the national game,” said the former Olympian.
Stating that the row between the PHF and the former Olympians has made the country a laughing stock all over the world, he said: “The country has given me everything in hockey and I earnestly want an end to the ongoing episode.”
“Pakistan hockey team needed support of all stakeholders to help Pakistan secure a better position in the upcoming London Olympics,” he commented.
Pakistan finished worst-ever 7th in 2008 Beijing Olympics and at the bottom in 12-nation Hockey World Cup held in New Delhi in 2010.
“All players deserve respect that can ensure unity in their ranks which will in turn serve the cause of hockey,” Hasan concluded.—APP
