DNA
LAHORE: A high-level delegation from Pakistan and the German Hockey Federation met with International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram in Lahore yesterday to discuss ambitious plans for revitalizing hockey worldwide, holding events in Germany and in Pakistan and strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and other nations.
The German delegation, led by CEO and High Performance Director Martin Schultz, engaged in comprehensive discussions with Ikram and Pakistan hockey officials, including Olympian Khawaja Junaid, who serves as Focal Person for Sports in the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.
Key topics addressed on a separate note was the discussion between Ikram and Martin was the extensive involvement of nations in global calendar and holding of events in Germany. “Organizing hockey events in Germany, and coordinating international tournament schedules within the global hockey calendar came in to discussion among German and FIH officials,” revealed an official.
Whereas on the other hand meeting of Ikram and Junaid discussed strategies to convince more foreign teams to visit Pakistan for bilateral series as well as finding ways to hold international events in Pakistan.
“The FIH president expresses deep admiration for Pakistan’s rich hockey history and emphasizes our commitment to supporting the development of hockey in the country,” said Ikram during the talks. The meeting explored various collaboration opportunities in coaching, training programs, and competitive events.
Ikram also welcomed the German federation initiative of sending its junior team to Pakistan. FIH President Ikram welcomed the German delegates and praised their willingness to cooperate with Pakistan hockey authorities. “International cooperation is essential for promoting hockey globally,” Ikram stated, highlighting the significance of such partnerships for the sport’s development.
Olympian Khawaja Junaid assured the delegation of full support from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, emphasizing that hockey revival remains a government priority. “The recent visits of German and Dutch clubs, along with the current tour of Germany’s National Junior team to Pakistan, are initiatives of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program in collaboration with the Pakistan Hockey Federation,” Junaid explained.
The Pakistani representative stressed the importance of international teams visiting Pakistan to secure the future of hockey in the country. All officials present agreed to intensify efforts to conduct more bilateral hockey series and international events in Pakistan.
The meeting is widely regarded as a positive step toward strengthening hockey ties between Pakistan and other nations, potentially leading to enhanced collaboration in player development, technical expertise exchange, and competitive opportunities for both nations involved.
This development comes at a crucial time for Pakistan hockey, which has been working to reclaim its former glory on the international stage through strategic partnerships and development initiatives.
