The once-vibrant Naseer Bunda Hockey Ground in Islamabad lies in a state of disrepair, a stark reminder of the Pakistan Sports Board’s (PSB) negligence and poor administrative decisions. A place that once echoed with the rhythm of hockey sticks and the dreams of young athletes now wears a deserted look. The reasons are many, but the most glaring is the sharp increase in ground usage fees that has effectively priced out local clubs and athletes.
In recent months, the PSB raised the ground usage fee by nearly 300 percent, a move that has shocked and disappointed the local hockey community. What was once an affordable space for budding players and clubs to train has now become inaccessible to most due to the exorbitant charges. With no teams or clubs able to afford the revised fee, the ground sees little to no activity — leading to rapid wear and tear of the turf, unmaintained facilities, and a visible decline in its overall condition.
Reports suggest that washrooms are in a filthy condition, water pumps are out of order, and general maintenance is non-existent. The very turf that was supposed to be preserved through better financial planning is now deteriorating faster due to non-usage and lack of upkeep. Ironically, the PSB’s decision to increase revenue through the hike has likely backfired, as the absence of bookings means less revenue instead of more. One wonders whether anyone at PSB has formally assessed the revenue trends before and after the price hike — a basic step in policy-making. It appears not.
Despite repeated appeals and written requests by local clubs to reconsider the revised fees or to offer concessions for student and grassroots teams, both the Pakistan Sports Board and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination have remained unmoved. Their inaction signals not only indifference but also a disturbing disconnect from ground realities and the needs of the hockey community.
Pakistan’s national sport has long been in decline, and missteps like these only further alienate young players from pursuing hockey professionally. Naseer Bunda Hockey Ground was meant to be a cradle of talent, nurturing the next generation of national players. Instead, it now symbolizes the decay of the sport itself.
There is a pressing need for introspection at the PSB and the ministry level. If the goal is to promote sports, particularly hockey, then facilities must be made affordable, accessible, and maintained to a standard that encourages participation. Charging steep fees while failing to provide basic amenities is a disservice not only to the sport but also to the nation’s youth.
Until the authorities take corrective action — including revisiting the fee structure, restoring basic facilities, and consulting with stakeholders — the future of hockey in Islamabad, and by extension in Pakistan, remains bleak.
It’s time for decision-makers to ask the tough questions: Is this revenue model working? Is it serving the goals of sports development? If the answers are negative, as they appear to be, then bold corrections must follow — and fast.
