ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):The soft launch of the Pakistan Hockey League was held in a prestigious ceremony attended by senior government representatives, legendary Pakistani Olympians, sports leaders and representatives of the private sector here on Wednesday.
The event marked a renewed collective commitment to reviving Pakistan’s national sport and restoring its position among the leading hockey-playing nations of the world, said a press release.
The ceremony was graced by Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, as the Chief Guest. Prominent hockey legends, including Shehnaz Sheikh, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Hassan Sardar, Tahir Zaman, Mansoor Ahmed Senior and Khwaja Junaid, along with other distinguished players and personalities, attended the event.
The soft launch of the Pakistan Hockey League represents an important step towards revitalising the national sport. The League aims to attract corporate investment, bring internationally renowned hockey stars to Pakistan, provide Pakistani players with exposure to international standards of competition, and create sustainable opportunities for the long-term development of hockey.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Guest Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to supporting hockey and investing in its revival.
He expressed his satisfaction and enthusiasm over the initiative and appreciated the efforts to bring the government, private sector and hockey community together on a common platform.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan expressed confidence that the Pakistan Hockey League, alongside other development initiatives, would play an important role in restoring the sport’s stature.
He assured continued government support for the development of hockey, the encouragement of young talent and the creation of new opportunities for Pakistani players.
President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, reiterated his commitment to sustained reforms, investment and institutional development for the revival of Pakistan’s national sport.
He stated that the PHF’s priorities include continuously improving the standard of hockey, strengthening sports infrastructure, attracting corporate investment, upgrading facilities and providing players with better incentives and opportunities.
He emphasised that the revival of Pakistan hockey requires collective responsibility, professional management, long-term planning and a strong partnership between the government and the private sector.
Expressing optimism about the future, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said that the PHF was working to create better opportunities for players and establish a strong foundation for the sustainable growth of the sport.
“Good days are ahead for Pakistan hockey. Our commitment is to attract investment, improve sports infrastructure, provide better incentives to our players and create an environment in which Pakistan hockey can once again move forward on the path of progress and success.
Salman Danish, owner of MediaCast and a partner in the Pakistan Hockey League, expressed his commitment to engaging the private sector in the revival of hockey in Pakistan.
He stated that MediaCast, in collaboration with the Pakistan Hockey Federation, was committed to organising the League professionally, attracting corporate partners and sponsors, and developing a sustainable commercial model to support the long-term growth of hockey.
Salman Danish expressed confidence that coordinated efforts, professional management and the cooperation of all stakeholders would help establish the Pakistan Hockey League as a successful initiative.
The participation of Pakistan’s distinguished Olympians and hockey legends added significance to the occasion. Their presence reflected the unity and collective determination of the hockey community to restore Pakistan’s lost glory in the sport.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to creating new opportunities for young players, strengthening the domestic hockey structure and reconnecting the younger generation with Pakistan’s rich hockey heritage and proud sporting traditions.
The Pakistan Hockey League is a joint initiative of the Pakistan Hockey Federation and MediaCast. It aims to bring international hockey stars, Pakistani players, corporate sponsors and team owners together on a common platform.
Through the League, the organisers seek to increase commercial interest in hockey, raise the standard of competition, attract private investment and establish a sustainable financial model for the development of the national sport.
The soft launch of the Pakistan Hockey League marks a new beginning and offers renewed hope for the revival of Pakistan hockey. Through public-private partnership, professional management and a long-term vision, the initiative aims to lay the foundation for restoring Pakistan’s standing in international hockey.
It was a memorable day for Pakistan hockey a day of renewed hope, collective resolve and an unwavering commitment to restoring the pride and prestige of the national sport.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
