THE recent World Cup campaign has demonstrated that Pakistan’s fight to restore their place in the global hockey elite continues. Yet, there are promising signs. Pakistan had failed to qualify for hockey’s showpiece event last time out, having also missed out on the last three Olympic Games. But while their opening match — a 4-1 reverse against England — was a painful reminder of how far the former four-time world champions have fallen, the national team bowed out with a 3-3 draw with Wales and a fighting 5-3 loss against India. Unfortunately, Pakistan have not beaten their neighbours in the last decade — unlike Pakistan, the administrators across the border have diligently worked at promoting the sport. India were bronze medallists at the last two Olympics Games; their resurgence stemming from sustained investment in the grassroots and creating a domestic ecosystem. In recent times, it has become evident that success in hockey does not rest on talent alone. What also counts is how that talent is harnessed. India used their failure to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a wake-up call. It led to the formation of the Hockey India League that transformed their fortunes. Pakistan needs to do the same. Earlier this year, the systemic rot in the sport was laid bare when the national team — participating in the FIH Pro League — was stranded in Sydney and forced to stay in a guest house.
It subsequently led to an overhaul of the Pakistan Hockey Federation with federal secretary for inter-provincial coordination Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani being appointed as the country’s hockey chief. Mr Wani has made some strides, notably appointing Dutchman Bob Veldhof as the national team coach. He has laid out an ambitious plan to rebuild hockey and announced the start of the league, while also creating a pathway to connect school hockey with district, provincial, national and international levels. In a break from the past, such plans and promises should be properly implemented.
