ISLAMABAD, Nov 9 Federal Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani on Monday said that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has resuscitated the game in the country after the team has successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

The Pakistan hockey team on Sunday defeated Japan 3-1 in the final of the qualifying round held in Lille, France.

The minister said “It was really a team effort in the final match though we missed some chances, however, it's a sigh of relief for the whole nation.

“It's still a long way to go for the national team. The government is ready to inject whatever resources it has for the promotion of national game.

“All we now need is revival of hockey at the grass-roots level and the federation is moving in the right direction by giving more opportunity to youngsters,” he said.