Pakistan expects international hockey’s return this year

The 30,000-capacity Hockey Club of Pakistan stadium hasn't hosted an international match in years. —File photo by APP

LAHORE: The return of international hockey to Pakistan may become a reality by the end of the year, according to the game’s ruling body in the country.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa has expressed hope that international fixtures will be hosted in Pakistan this year.
“We are confident of resuming international hockey activities (in Pakistan) within this year,” Bajwa said on Tuesday.
The hockey federation has been in talks with its Indian counterpart for the scheduling of a bilateral series as the governments of both countries seek to build on the ‘cricket diplomacy’ that came into forth following Pakistan’s ICC World Cup semi-final against India.

However, India is not the only country PHF is expecting to host this year, and the federation is gaining support from other bodies as well.
“Our efforts will definitely bear productive results as World Hockey is also supporting us,” Bajwa told reporters.
“With such cooperation and willingness of hockey-playing nations, we will be able to resume hosting international hockey fixtures.”
While the moral support and reassurances will boost PHF’s efforts, the tight international schedule of hockey-playing nations may hinder the realisation of this plan.
“The problem we are facing is the tight schedule as teams have already planned their fixtures for the year but hopefully we will be able to get some teams to visit Pakistan.”
Most of PHF’s and the government’s efforts will be concentrated on the fixtures against India, however, security concerns might hinder the hosting of matches in Pakistan.
“Our first priority is to play in Pakistan but we could consider neutral venues if security becomes a problem.”
Pakistan played India twice in international tournaments last year and lost on both occasions. However, they (Pakistan) went on to win the gold medal at the Asian Games, a feat that reignited interest in the national sport that lags far behind cricket in terms of popularity with the public
.