The revival of Pakistan hockey requires institutional reforms, transparent governance, and talent development
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) today announced a comprehensive and ambitious strategic reform agenda following the first meeting of its Adhoc Committee. The new roadmap is designed to revitalize Pakistan hockey from the grassroots to the elite level, focusing on three core pillars: institutional integrity, a data-driven talent pipeline, and professional federation management. This transformative plan aims to restore Pakistan’s historic legacy in the sport through modern, merit-based, and accountable systems.
A spokesperson for the PHF Adhoc Committee stated, “Today marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan hockey. We are moving beyond temporary fixes and implementing a foundational, long-term strategy to rebuild the sport. Our vision is to create a self-sustaining, transparent, and globally competitive ecosystem that will make our nation proud once again. This is a collective effort, and we are immensely grateful for the patriotic support from our esteemed committee members and partner organizations.”
The three core pillars of the new strategic vision: Institutional Integrity, Talent Development, and a Professional Federation.
Governance Reform and Transparent Elections
A cornerstone of the new agenda is the commitment to establishing democratic legitimacy and transparency within the PHF. The committee has approved a 90-day roadmap for a clean electoral process, which will be preceded by a rigorous club scrutiny and verification process. An independent audit framework, overseen by a panel of legal experts, chartered accountants, and sports governance specialists, will ensure that all participating clubs meet strict criteria for active membership, financial transparency, and functional activity.
This process will culminate in the public disclosure of all verified voting units, paving the way for fair and democratic elections within six to nine months under neutral oversight.
Building a National Talent Pipeline with Key Educational Partners
The PHF is launching a nationwide talent hunt to build a robust and sustainable player pipeline. This initiative will be executed in close partnership with Pakistan’s leading educational bodies.
* U14-U16 School Trials: In collaboration with the Federal Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education (FBISE) and the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC), the PHF will conduct nationwide school-level trials. This program will feature a digital player profiling system to track talent progression from district to national levels. The committee extends its deepest gratitude to ED IBCC G Mallah and Dr. Ikram, Chairman of FBISE, for his visionary support in integrating hockey into the national educational fabric.
* U21 University Championship: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will sponsor a premier inter-university championship, creating a direct pathway for top performers to the Junior National Team. The PHF commends the leadership of Dr. Niaz, Chairman of HEC, whose commitment is instrumental in reviving hockey at the university level and ensuring our brightest athletes receive both academic and sporting opportunities.
A structured pathway for talent identification and development from schools and universities to the national team.
Commercial Revitalization and Corporate Partnerships
To ensure financial sustainability, the PHF has secured landmark multi-year corporate partnerships. PTCL has joined as the lead sponsor in a 3-Year Corporate Revival Partnership, which includes naming rights for the “PTCL National Hockey League” and support for infrastructure and digital platforms. The PHF expresses its sincere appreciation to CMO PTCL Saif for his organization’s significant investment in the future of Pakistan hockey.
Further strengthening the commercial framework, Jazz will serve as a key supporting partner. The committee is thankful for the forward-thinking approach of Syed Ali Naseer of Jazz, whose expertise will be crucial in modernizing the fan experience.
Infrastructure Revival and Departmental Hockey Integration
The agenda includes a strategic program to upgrade playing facilities across the country. A key initiative, led by Dr. Faisal, the Pakistan High Commissioner in the UK, involves sourcing reusable AstroTurf from the Netherlands and Australia. His diplomatic efforts and logistical coordination are invaluable to this project. Corporate partners will be requested to sponsor the freight, ensuring these turfs are deployed in underserved districts .Dr Faisal also assured his help for international support in promoting hockey in Pakistan.
The revival of departmental hockey is another critical component. Pakistan Customs, under the leadership of Member Customs Syed Shakeel shah, will spearhead this framework, which mandates raising of new teams in Karachi and Lahore. Customs department will ensure sports participation and an annual Inter-Department Championship, providing athletes with career security. His commitment to restoring the vital role of departments in sports is highly commendable.
Ensuring athlete welfare, a partnership with Shifa International hospital will provide comprehensive healthcare services for national teams. The support from Mr. Mobeen and Shifa International is a testament to their dedication to the well-being of our national heroes.
Professional Federation Structure and High-Performance Leadership
The PHF will be transformed into a modern sports organization with six professional divisions: Human Resource Management, Finance & Audit, Marketing & Commercialization, Sports Medicine & Athlete Welfare, High Performance & Coaching, and International Liaison. This new structure will operate on a performance framework with quarterly KPI reviews.
The new professional organizational structure of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
To drive on-field success, a new team management structure has been established, led by hockey legends Islahuddin Siddiqui (Member), Hassan Sardar (Member), and Samiullah (Member). This committee will oversee the selection of an international coach and hold the team accountable to clear KPIs, including achieving a Top 10 FIH World Ranking within 24 months, securing an Asian Games medal and ensuring Olympic qualification.
“We are entrusting the future of our national team to our most celebrated legends, whose experience is unparalleled. Their mandate is clear: to instill a culture of excellence and deliver results. We have set ambitious but achievable targets that will guide our journey back to the pinnacle of world hockey,” the spokesperson added. Mr. Islahuddin Siddiqui assured the PHF Adhoc Committee of his active involvement in strengthening the structural foundations of the sport.He stated:“The revival of Pakistan hockey requires institutional reforms, transparent governance, and systematic talent development. I fully support the PHF Adhoc Committee and will contribute at every level to rebuild our national game.”
He further committed to:
* Supervising and guiding the National Talent Hunt Programme, particularly at the Under-14 and Under-16 levels.
* Overseeing transparent scrutiny and verification of hockey clubs nationwide to ensure fair future elections and structural integrity.
* Assisting in the merit-based hiring of national coaches, aligned with international standards and performance benchmarks.
Mr. Hasan Sardar also conveyed his unwavering support for the reform agenda and emphasized the importance of professionalism and high-performance culture. He stated:
“Pakistan hockey has immense untapped talent. Through honest governance, structured scouting, and professional coaching appointments, we can reclaim our lost glory. I stand firmly with the PHF Adhoc Committee in this mission.”
He assured that he will:
* Actively supervise nationwide Talent Hunt initiatives, with special focus on skill-based identification of emerging players.
* Participate in club scrutiny and evaluation processes to ensure only genuine and active hockey structures are recognized.
* Assist in identifying and recommending high-caliber national coaches, both domestic and international, strictly on merit.
Collective Commitment to Reform
Both Olympians pledged to work without personal agenda and to support:
* Transparent and accountable governance reforms.
* Institutionalized talent pathways from schools to national level.
* Strengthening of domestic competitions and technical oversight systems.
* Restoration of Pakistan’s competitive standing at international level.
The PHF Adhoc Committee welcomed their support, noting that the involvement of respected Olympians adds credibility, experience, and moral authority to the ongoing reform process.
The committee also acknowledges the strategic insights from leaders in business and tourism, such as Sirdar Yasir Ilyas, CEO of The Centaurus NC tourism for PM, whose perspective will be vital in enhancing fan engagement and promoting hockey as a part of Pakistan’s national identity and tourism appeal. The collective wisdom of all committee members, including the valued contributions of figures like G A M Allah, has been instrumental in shaping this holistic and robust reform agenda.
120-Day Immediate Action Roadmap
The PHF is committed to immediate execution. A phased 120 -day plan has been launched, starting with the foundation audit and club scrutiny, followed by talent mobilization through MOUs with HEC and FBISE, engagement with commercial partners, and finally, the shortlisting of an international coach and verification of the Electoral College.
A phased execution plan to ensure rapid and effective implementation of the reform agenda.





