Interim president rescinds suspension of national captain; promises restructured management and elections for new leadership
Pakistan hockey team players celebrate after scoring in their emphatic 7-2 victory over Malaysia in the Sultan of Johor Cup match held in Johor Bahru on Saturday. Photo:X
ISLAMABAD:
Just a day after a two-year ban was imposed on national hockey team captain Ammad Butt, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) acting president Mohyuddin Wani announced on Friday that the suspension had been lifted – signaling a reversal in tone as the federation moves to stabilize after recent turmoil.
The ban, imposed following the resignation of PHF leader Tariq Bugti, drew sharp criticism. Bugti resigned after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the team’s tour of Australia, where players had to scramble to find accommodation in Hobart and were forced to prepare their own meals and wash dishes in a guest house after the federation failed to fund a suitable hotel.
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Butt had been at the forefront of the backlash, publicly criticizing the PHF for the conditions endured by players and for months of delayed allocations. With Wani now in charge on an interim basis, the federation appears to be turning the page. “I hope for a revival and strengthening of hockey,” Wani said, adding that players should concentrate entirely on training and matches.
The IPC federal secretary echoed this sentiment by announcing that the federation’s leadership would be completely reorganized. Wani also confirmed that elections for the new permanent leaders would take place, with transparency and justice prioritized in all decisions.
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“All institutions are aligned for the revival of national sports,” Wani said, stressing that better governance and partnerships with the private sector would ensure better financial support for players. He added that “the greatness of hockey will have to be restored.”
