Hockey World XI to visit Pakistan next year

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation has invited a World XI team to the country which will arrive on January 10.

Addressing a press conference, PHF President retired Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said that Pakistan Army has ensured to provide all possible security facilities for the tour.

He said that apart from the Pakistan Army, the interior minister and provincial governments have also expressed support and full cooperation for the event.

Khokhar announced that matches with World XI will also be held in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

He claimed that Sindh government has allocated 100 million rupees from annual sports budget to the PHF, while Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also offered to purchase two legue franchises.

He expressed dissatisfaction on the performance of the national team in the recent four-nation tournament. “It is very easy to say but we will not compromise on our respect and integrity,” he said.

“We are working with good intentions,” he said. “The performance of the national team is matter of concern.”

However, PHF president said that they are making efforts on a war footing to improve the state of hockey in the country.

The federation has replaced the AstroTurf in six locations, and the establishment of hockey academies in under consideration.

A coach is also being hired to improve the performance of goal keepers.