Caretaker PM pledges to revive Pakistan's national sport hockey

Rawalpindi: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has announced the government's commitment to revitalizing Pakistan's national sport, hockey.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 67th National Senior Hockey Championship organized by the Army Welfare Trust, Kakar emphasized the importance of promoting hockey, acknowledging its historical significance.

Kakar highlighted that Pakistan's identity is closely tied to its culture and sports, with hockey playing a pivotal role in the nation's history.

He expressed optimism about the revival of this sport, which had once held a prominent global position but gradually declined due to various challenges.

The Caretaker Prime Minister noted that Pakistan's youth, constituting 60% of the population, are vital to the nation's future.

He stressed that both the government and private institutions should collaborate to provide youth with the best sports facilities and equipment to ensure their active participation in national development.

Kakar, who has a personal passion for hockey, recalled the glory days of Pakistani hockey in the early '80s, naming legendary players like Akhtar Rasool, Kaleemullah, Samiullah, and Hassan Sardar.

He mentioned how these players and others, including Manzoor Jr. and Shahbaz Sr., brought honor to Pakistan with their extraordinary skills.

The Caretaker Prime Minister paid tribute to these hockey legends and proposed that they use their influence to inspire new players through coaching sessions and videos.

He added that the positive image created by these sports heroes has been recognized worldwide, contributing to Pakistan's global reputation.

Kakar also emphasized the need to honor and respect the heroes of Pakistan's Hockey Team and the debt owed to them.

He expressed the government's commitment to ensuring these players receive their rightful recognition in society.

Moreover, he shared the government's intentions to promote hockey, including the concept of a Hockey Super League, akin to the Cricket Super League.

The Caretaker Prime Minister stressed the importance of corporate sectors' involvement in supporting and revitalizing the sport, beginning at the division and city levels.

He directed state television to take initiatives for the promotion of hockey, utilizing the services of former hockey legends as commentators, trainers, and coaches.