Pakistanis withdraw resignations

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani players who announced their “retirement” from hockey after finishing last in the recent hockey World Cup have backed out from implementing the decision.

This emerged after the players on Tuesday met the Sports Minister, Ijaz Jakhrani, who requested them to withdraw their “resignations”.

Mr. Jakhrani felt that several players have long years to serve the cause of hockey in Pakistan. He said the reaction was “emotional” after finishing 12th in the World Cup. The Sports Minister has also asked PHF President Qasim Zia not to accept the resignations.

On the demand for sacking Secretary, Asif Bajwa, the Sports Minister said, “I will consult higher authorities, and if we feel that by sacking Bajwa, Pakistan hockey can improve, we will remove him.” The PHF comes under the control of the Sports Ministry.