Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for concerted efforts to revive Pakistan’s lost glory in hockey by promoting young talent, strengthening institutional support and encouraging greater private sector participation in sports.
He was addressing a signing ceremony marking a partnership between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group to promote youth engagement and strengthen their association with the Pakistan national hockey team.
Describing hockey as a symbol of Pakistan’s national identity, the minister said the country possessed immense potential to reclaim its prominent position in international hockey. He emphasized that talented young players were being encouraged to carry forward the legacy of Pakistan’s golden era and raise the national flag high on the international stage once again.
Ahsan Iqbal underscored the importance of private sector patronage in promoting sports and supporting athletes. He said that when players were financially secure and free from economic pressures, they could devote their full attention and energy to their performance. A player’s primary concern, he remarked, should be how to score the next goal rather than how to meet personal expenses.
The minister highlighted that excellence in modern sports required more than talent and physical ability, stressing the growing importance of sports science, technology and data-driven performance analysis. He said physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline and sustained concentration were essential for competing successfully at the international level.
Referring to the achievements of leading athletes around the world, Ahsan Iqbal said their success was built on consistent practice, discipline and an unwavering focus on performance.
The minister also highlighted the vision behind establishing the National Sports City in Narowal, which was conceived to provide world-class sports facilities in Pakistan. He said the facility offered international-standard infrastructure for 14 sports at a single location, creating opportunities for athletes to train in a modern and supportive environment.
Ahsan Iqbal offered the Pakistan national hockey team the opportunity to make the National Sports City Narowal its permanent training centre, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing players with modern training facilities and a conducive environment to enhance their performance.
He described the partnership between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and Vital Group as an important step towards strengthening hockey in the country, engaging young people in sports and creating greater opportunities for the next generation of Pakistani players.
The minister expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between sports institutions, the private sector and young talent could help Pakistan rebuild its hockey legacy and restore its standing in international competitions.
