Players asked to withdraw resignations

Islamabad, March 16: Sports minister Ejaz Jakhrani on Tuesday asked the members of the national hockey team to withdraw their resignations, saying some of them were still good enough to serve Pakistan hockey.
Jakhrani met the players, who had resigned en masse after finishing last in the recent World Cup in New Delhi, and later told the media that he has also asked Pakistan Hockey Federation President Qasim Zia not to accept the players’ resignation.

The minister felt the decision to resign en masse was an emotional decision and many of the players could still serve Pakistan hockey.

“I have told the PHF president not to accept their retirement decisions. What happened in the World Cup was very disappointing but we need to learn from our mistakes,” he said.
Qasim Zia also attended the meeting which lasted for an hour and in which the minister heard the players’ version of the debacle.

He also made it clear that no decision had been taken on removing Asif Bajwa as secretary of the federation.
Jakhrani, however, made it clear that since the PHF came under the control of the sports ministry, he would decide if Bajwa will stay or go.
— PTI