Hockey is our national game but cricket is more popular among the masses. Pakistani hockey players were famous for their performance in the past and we had the best players that were world-renowned. Then their performance started to decline. Our hockey players do not have a proper job like cricketers because they can’t live off it and support their families. They do not get sponsorship from cola companies and the like.
After the introduction of Astroturf, Pakistani players were not able to perform up to the mark. Orthodox and conventional methods were used in training. Pakistani hockey does not get as much funds as cricket. Academies are promoting new talent but they are still playing on grass turf at the grassroots level which creates problem. Mr Qasim Zia was recruited on political basis but he showed his talent and made genuine efforts to uplift hockey in the country. They hired a coach from Holland, Michelle De Vane.
The team was able to win a gold medal in the Asian Games. Pakistani players gave a tough time to Australia, Germany and Netherlands, even though we won a few matches. The status of hockey in our country can improve if the players have job security.
They should be sponsored by multinational companies. Training should be done on modern lines. It’s a great game and we have a lot of talent. There is no reason why it should be consigned to the low priority list.
FATIMA ALI
Lahore
