Pakistan hockey revival needs patience, says PHF Selection Chief

Pakistan’s dream of restoring its former hockey glory will not become a reality overnight, according to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Selection Committee Chairman Samiullah Khan, who believes the revival process requires at least two to three years of consistent effort.

Speaking about the federation’s ongoing reforms, the legendary Olympian urged hockey fans and the media to remain patient and judge the progress through long-term development rather than immediate results.

Samiullah praised the current PHF administration, led by President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, for taking practical steps aimed at rebuilding the country’s national sport. He said the federation has restarted Under-18, Under-21 and senior national squads, creating fresh opportunities for talented young players to progress into the international arena.

He revealed that both the men’s and women’s national teams are receiving equal attention, including structured training camps, improved financial support and enhanced welfare facilities. The federation has also introduced modern sports science tools, including GPS-based performance tracking, to monitor players’ fitness and match readiness while benefiting from the expertise of international-standard coaches.

According to Samiullah, significant improvements have also been made in players’ accommodation, logistics and overall training environment, reflecting the federation’s commitment to building a professional system capable of competing at the highest level.

Despite the encouraging developments, the former hockey star stressed that Pakistan’s decline occurred over many years and cannot be reversed instantly.

“Hockey’s revival is a long-term process,” he said, adding that expecting quick victories would be unrealistic. Instead, he urged stakeholders to focus on the quality of the rebuilding process, expressing confidence that the federation is moving in the right direction.

Samiullah also appealed to supporters, former players and the media to stand behind the national teams and the PHF management. He said continued backing would help ensure that the investment being made at the grassroots level eventually translates into strong international performances and a return to Pakistan’s historic status as one of world hockey’s leading nations.