CM Sindh vows to restore lost glories of hockey

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said that he would support Pakistan Hockey Federation restore lost glories if it starts training camps in rural areas of Sindh.

The chief minister was discussing promotion of hockey with members of Pakistan Hockey Federation including President PHF Brig. (retd) Muhammad Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and Secretary General Shahbaz Ahmed Senior. Sports Minister Muhammad Bux Maher was also present.

He said that Sindh Sports Department has developed hockey stadiums at Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Dadu and Sukkur and blue turf has also been laid in those stadiums.

He further said that five stadiums are being developed in the city but the one in south district is one of the best with blue turf where the PHF can start training camps.

Sports Minister Muhammad Bux Maher suggested that a hostel for under-training players could also be built at Clifton stadium which the CM Sindh approved.

CM Sindh also said that he would support the PHF to rehabilitate Hockey Club and stadium. “I want to revive sports activities, particularly hockey in Sindh,” he said.

Sports minister suggested making hockey commercial just like cricket. CM Sindh suggested him to work with PHF and make the youngsters hockey players.

The PHF chief informed CM Sindh that Khizar Hayat, a young boy from Dadu, has emerged best player.  He will be inducted in the national team but is being to Australia for training before.

He said that they would start training camps in rural areas of Sindh. They agreed to work together for promotion of hockey.