LAHORE - Former hockey Olympian and coach Naveed Alam has said that he has been endeavouring to invite Pakistan and India teams to Bangladesh to feature in the 3-Nation Hockey Tournament which will prove helpful in promoting hockey in Asian region.
Talking to the reporters here Wednesday, Naveed said: “Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) has allowed me to hold this 3-Nation Hockey Tournament therefore I am in contact with Pakistan and Indian hockey federations to make his proposal viable.” Lamenting on the decline of Pakistan hockey, the ex-Olympian said: “Hockey is the national game of Pakistan but unfortunately, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has to beg for funds from the government and in case of less or no grant, the game suffers a lot.”
He added that he had been endeavoring to provide maximum opportunities to Pakistani players at international level without getting any good post in the PHF.
“I can see good changes in the PHF and more positive modifications are in line which will prove very beneficial for the revival of hockey in the country. Shahnaz Shaikh and Islahuddin have capabilities to change the fortunes of Pakistan hockey and if they are given freehand, they can help the country in regaining its past hockey glory,” Naveed concluded.