Rs 1 Billion Needed Annually for Revival: Mujahid
Pakistan hockey has once again fallen into a deep financial crisis. The national team, which recently competed in the final of the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, has been grappling with basic daily expenses for several days. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had pledged to pay each player Rs 30,000 per day for 10 days, but no payments have been made so far.
It’s not just the players who have been affected—coaches and officials have also been denied their daily allowances. This financial strain took a toll on team morale during the FIH Nations Cup final against New Zealand, where Pakistan suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat.
Sources reveal that players have been covering their own food and personal expenses, leading to growing frustration. Some were even forced to seek financial help from their families to meet essential needs.
Sadly, such situations have become all too familiar for Pakistan hockey. Over the years, the national side has had to skip multiple international events due to financial difficulties. Earlier this year, Pakistan missed the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, also in Malaysia, primarily because of unpaid dues. Similarly, the Rs 20,000 daily allowance promised for the 2024 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in China was not paid on time, sparking anger among players.
Players have voiced their concerns over the disparity in sports funding, questioning why huge sums are spent on cricket leagues while their modest entitlements remain unpaid.
PHF Secretary General Rana Mujahid Ali highlighted the urgent need for Rs 60-70 million to settle player dues, daily allowances, and administrative costs. He noted that participating in any major international event costs at least Rs 15 million, yet necessary funds are not made available. Mujahid stressed that if the government allocated Rs 1 billion annually to hockey, Pakistan could restore its past glory in the sport.
