Private sector partnerships key to Pakistani Hockey revival: Mohyuddin Wani

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) took a significant step toward reviving the national game as it signed separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Alaska Batteries and Sky 47 during a ceremony held at the Amir Khan Boxing Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary, Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and President, PHF; Mr. Haroon Mehmood, Chairman, Alaska Batteries; Mr. Hassan Abbas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sky 47; former Olympians; sports officials; players; and corporate representatives.

Speaking at the event, Wani said the revival of hockey would require sustained effort at every level.

“This is not a one-day task, but we are taking steps and we will continue supporting hockey at every level,” he said.

He stated that PHF’s focus would extend beyond the national team to nurturing young talent, particularly boys and girls aged 10-12, to build a strong foundation for the future. The Federation plans to introduce hockey activities in around 1,000 schools across the country during the current year in collaboration with Federal and provincial

governments and private sector partners.

“Hockey should remain our national sporting culture. We want to bring back the memories of the glorious eras of 1984 and the 1994 World Cup triumph,” Mr. Wani added.

The PHF President appreciated Alaska Batteries and Sky 47 for stepping forward to support hockey and called corporate sponsorship essential for the growth of sports. He assured that all sponsorship funds would be used exclusively for players’ welfare, training, facilities, and international-standard preparation.

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“This money belongs to the players. It will be used for their training, facilities and international-standard preparation,” he said.

Federal Minister National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khichi lauded the initiative and told the U-18 players present at the ceremony that they represent the future of Pakistan hockey. He noted that the shift from grass to astro turf had affected Pakistan due to infrastructure gaps, but expressed optimism that talent identification programmes in major and smaller cities would produce promising players.

“With proper guidance and investment, I am confident Pakistan will once again win the Champions Trophy, Asian Cup and World Cup,” he said.

Chairman Alaska Batteries, Haroon Mehmood, said Pakistan possessed immense hockey talent and expressed confidence that collective efforts could restore the country’s position in international hockey.

CEO Sky 47, Hassan Abbas, said supporting sports, especially hockey, was a national responsibility and reaffirmed commitment to providing young players opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Former Olympian Tauqeer Dar termed the initiative encouraging, while former cricketer Rashid Latif recalled hockey’s golden era and said sponsorships and institutional backing were crucial for the sport’s revival.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of MoUs between PHF, Alaska Batteries, and Sky 47 to support hockey development and youth programs across Pakistan.