ISLAMABAD: Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander on Monday voiced hope for the revival of hockey in Pakistan, emphasizing that with structured training and international exposure, the national sport can return to its former success.
Bovelander, a key player in the Netherlands’ 1990 Hockey World Cup victory, is in Pakistan to lead a training camp for young athletes from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with another session planned in Lahore.
At the clinic, the iconic drag-flick expert offered coaching on modern penalty corner tactics, situational awareness, and attacking play.
“Talent plays a role, but excelling on the international stage demands smart, dedicated training,” he told the media at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium.
The event was hosted by the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy (KJHA) in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Pakistan Sports Board, part of festivities celebrating the Dutch King’s Day.
Young players, ex-Olympians, national squad members, coaches, sports authorities, and diplomats, including Dutch Ambassador Henny de Vries, attended the event.
Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), praised Bovelander’s visit, calling it a positive step toward reviving hockey in the country.
Wani told Dawn that during their meeting, he and Bovelander discussed the shortage of Astroturf pitches nationwide.
“Pakistan currently has about 40 Astroturf surfaces. Our goal is to increase that number to 80 within five years,” he said, noting the federal government’s commitment to strengthening hockey infrastructure.
Khawaja Mohammad Junaid, former Olympian and head of KJHA, described Bovelander’s visit as a much-needed morale boost for efforts aimed at reviving hockey in Pakistan.
