The recently appointed Minister of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Fawad Hasan Fawad, has conveyed grave concern over the dwindling status of hockey in Pakistan. During an interview with Dawn on Tuesday, he underscored the utmost importance of revitalizing the national game, establishing it as his foremost priority and emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive and executable plan.
Fawad, who has recently assumed the role of the IPC Ministry, which encompasses sports, has brought attention to the exigent nature of the situation. He has acknowledged Pakistan’s illustrious history as four-time world champions in hockey, juxtaposed with the lamentable current condition of the sport in the country.
Acknowledging the impending general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, Fawad conceded the constraints of time while assuring his commitment to formulating a plan for the resurgence of hockey in the country. He has accentuated the imperative need for undivided attention to drive improvements in the sport.
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) recently disaffiliated the Pakistan Hockey Federation owing to its noncompliance with directives. Fawad has acknowledged the intricacies of governmental intervention in national sports federations affiliated with international bodies such as the International Olympic Committee. While the National Sports Policy enables the PSB to intervene in the affairs of sports federations, Fawad abstained from elaborating on the matter at the present time.
Furthermore, Fawad refrained from addressing inquiries regarding the Prime Minister’s recent meeting with the PCB Interim Management Committee chairman. Despite being present at the meeting, he asserted the inappropriateness of disclosing details about any of the Prime Minister’s engagements.
Although the Prime Minister, who also serves as the patron-in-chief of the PCB, directed the PCB Interim Management Committee chairman to operate in accordance with his mandate during the meeting, Fawad chose not to expound upon the deliberations.
The formidable task of reinvigorating Pakistan hockey notwithstanding, Fawad Hasan Fawad’s dedication and involvement in the process offer a beacon of hope for a positive transformation. The future of hockey in Pakistan is bound to benefit significantly from the attention and endeavours of the new Minister of Inter-Provincial Coordination.