Islamabad (GNP): Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for a joint push to restore Pakistan’s former standing in hockey through nurturing young players, stronger institutional backing and greater private sector involvement in sport.
He spoke at a signing ceremony for a partnership between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group, aimed at engaging youth and deepening the company’s association with the national hockey team.
Calling hockey a symbol of national identity, Iqbal said Pakistan has the potential to regain a leading place in the international game. He said promising young players are being encouraged to carry on the legacy of the country’s golden era and once again raise the flag abroad.
Iqbal stressed the value of private sector support for sport and athletes. Players who are financially secure and free of money worries, he said, can give their full energy to performance. A player’s main thought, he added, should be how to score the next goal, not how to pay personal bills.
He noted that excellence today requires more than natural ability and fitness, pointing to the growing role of sports science, technology and data-driven analysis. Physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and sustained focus are all essential at the international level, he said, adding that the success of top athletes worldwide rests on steady practice, discipline and relentless attention to performance.
Iqbal spoke of the thinking behind the National Sports City in Narowal, which was designed to bring world-class sports facilities to Pakistan. The complex offers international-standard infrastructure for 14 sports in one place, giving athletes a modern and supportive training environment.
He invited the national hockey team to make the Narowal facility its permanent training base, saying this reflects the government’s commitment to giving players modern facilities and a conducive setting.
Iqbal described the PHF-Vital Group partnership as an important step toward strengthening hockey, involving young people in sport and widening opportunities for the next generation of players. He voiced confidence that continued cooperation among sports bodies, the private sector and young talent can help Pakistan rebuild its hockey legacy and regain its standing in international competition.
Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said on Thursday that public-private partnerships are key to reviving Pakistan hockey. He was guest of honour at a ceremony in Islamabad where the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group signed a sponsorship agreement.
Rana Mashhood pointed to the part corporate investment plays in developing sport. He also mentioned government steps to bring back departmental sports and give athletes more chances to show their talent. Referring to the proposed Pakistan Hockey League, he said he is confident that efforts to strengthen the country’s hockey structure are on the right track.
Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Ahsan Iqbal was also present, along with former Olympians Hassan Sardar, Nasir Ali, Tahir Zaman and Khawaja Junaid and other members of the hockey community.
Under the deal, Vital Group will back Pakistan hockey with corporate resources and partnership. The aim is to strengthen the national team, encourage young people to take up the game and open up better prospects for emerging players. The partnership is meant to deepen the company’s association with the national team and is seen as another step toward drawing private-sector support to the national sport and restoring Pakistan’s place in world hockey.
PHF chief Wani said the federation will keep working with private sponsors to strengthen hockey, and called the Vital Group agreement an important step toward creating more opportunities for young players.
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Vital Group Director Asad Mustafa also addressed the ceremony and spoke about the partnership’s role in supporting Pakistan hockey. The PHF and players thanked Vital Group for showing confidence in the sport, and all sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together to build a sustainable future for Pakistan hockey.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
