Bajwa-Aslam discuss strengthening sub-continent hockey
From Ehsan Qureshi

BEIJING, Aug 12 (APP): The officials of hockey bodies from India and Pakistan currently here to attend 2008 Beijing Olympics have lengthy discussions to strengthen hockey in the sub-continent and raise it to its old status and past glory.

Newly inducted Secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation Asif Bajwa and Adhoc Chief of Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) Aslam Khan held fruitful meetings here discussing ways and means for promotion of hokcey in the sub-continent which reigned in the field for years.

“Yes we have discussed different issues pertaining to sub-continent hockey and chalking out plans to revive and restore its pride,” Secretary Asif Bajwa told reporters on Tuesday.

Once the powerhouse of the world hockey, Indo-Pak are struggling to sustain their world supremacy after having decades of domination.

“We are definitely worried and wanted to launch comprehensive plans for its upliftment and generate interest in the sub-continent and in the region,” he said.

“Our focus is on exchange of regular visits of senior and junior teams of the two countries and other outfits to generate interest among the peoples,” he said.

Eight-time Olympic gold medalist India failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics for the first time in 84 years while three-time Olympic Champion Pakistan suffered their first defeat against Great Britain in 56 year in Olympics.

“These are alarming signs and India and Pakistan must come together to take some extraordinary steps to save the game from disaster,” Bajwa, who represented Pakistan in Barcelona Olympics in 1992, maintained.

“Hockey in both India and Pakistan has de-tracked and we are passing through difficult phase. Sincere and coordinated efforts are required from both countries to retail it”.

“We are preparing proposals and working out plans to exchange programmes at all levels to improve the standard in both countries.

Asif Bajwa said soon after back home after the Olympics programmes will be launched at the district level all over the country.

He said PHF will facilitate districts and provide them paid coaches for regular training programme and organising tournaments.

Special attention will be paid to districts which have history of producing talented hockey players and provided with extra incentives, he addded.

“Every step taken will be performance-related from lowest to the top level with thorough monitoring to achieve desired results,” he remarked.

“This will not be just a plan and agenda. We would be in serious business for the revival of hockey in the country’s nook and corners”.

He said educational institutions will be encouraged to promote hockey programa under their own umbrella. However, PHF will extend support when and where required.