Mohyuddin Wani outlines roadmap for reforms, promises elections and better governance to rebuild hockey in Pakistan
Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani has taken over as Ad Hoc President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation. PHOTO: APPLICATION
ISLAMABAD:
Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani has vowed to revive and strengthen the country’s domestic football after taking over as ad hoc president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
In a statement issued on Friday, following his appointment, Wani assured stakeholders of a comprehensive plan to stabilize the federation, restore confidence and revamp the team management to restore Pakistan’s lost glory in international hockey.
“As the newly appointed ad hoc president of the PHF, I assure stakeholders of our commitment to revive and strengthen hockey in Pakistan,” he said, adding that immediate steps were being taken to resolve pressing organizational and administrative issues.
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He said the short-term focus would remain on stabilizing the federation’s affairs, while a medium-term roadmap would include developing a clear strategic vision, strengthening coaching and training structures and promoting institutional coordination among relevant bodies.
He stressed the need for better governance and effective resource management, noting that efforts would be made to forge partnerships with the private sector to better support stakeholders and the national organization.
“Our players should focus on training and matches, while we take care of the rest,” he remarked, reiterating that athlete welfare and performance would remain at the center of the reforms.
Highlighting the institutional support for the revival of the sport, Wani said all relevant organizations were aligned to bring back the glory of Pakistani national football. He also announced that elections for the new leadership of the PHF would be held to ensure a smooth and democratic transition.
In a key administrative decision, the ad hoc president announced the immediate lifting of the two-year ban imposed on national team captain Ammad Butt, saying transparency and fairness would guide all decisions made under his tenure.
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Wani expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the trust reposed in him and appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively for the betterment of hockey in the country. “Let us work together to restore the glory of hockey in Pakistan,” he said.
Wani’s promises come a day after former PHF president Tariq Bugti resigned following complaints from national team players during last week’s whitewash tour, and after Shehbaz launched an investigation.
Ammad Butt had criticized the PHF, accusing the body of failing to pay for a hotel, with players forced to wash their clothes and dishes in what they saw as substandard accommodation in Hobart, Tasmania.
