Fresh controversy hits Pakistan hockey
15 Mar 2009 PTI

KARACHI: Fresh crisis has hit Pakistan hockey with Olympians, Islahuddin Siddique and Mudassar Asghar openly criticising the national federation (PHF) for withdrawing their nominations from important positions of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Islahuddin, a former captain, coach, manager and chief selector, said he was appalled to learn that present Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa had lied to him and kept him in the dark about his re-nomination for the prestigious FIH Rules Board.

“I have been a member of the Rules board for over a decade and the PHF secretary withdraw my nomination this year and sent that of Rana Mujahid, who is years junior to me. It was an insult for Pakistan hockey that Mujahid’s nomination for the Rules board was rejected by the FIH,” he said.

Mudassar, a former PHF secretary, also found his nomination withdrawn from a FIH committee.

Islahuddin said he was appalled that a junior player like Asif Bajwa could treat senior Olympians in this manner.

“I went to attend the Rules board meeting under the impression as Bajwa told me that the PHF had again sent my nomination but it was embarrassing to learn there they had not sent my nomination,” he stated.

Questions are also being raised at the present management of the PHF, headed by President Qasim Zia, on the way funds were being spent on various projects.

“Bajwa and company have spent around 8 million rupees on making a song for the PHF. Is this not a waste of money when the federation is already facing a financial crunch?” Islahuddin questioned.

“They are spending unchecked money on other development projects,” he added.

Hockey has lost its position in Pakistan over the years due to internal politics and national team’s failure to give any creditable performance in the international circuit.

Pakistan, once a powerhouse in world hockey, last won a major title — the World Cup in 1994.