Pakistan Hockey Federation president: "We are keen to revive bilateral ties with India"

Renewing rivalries?

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has stated that talks are ongoing with the the Indian hockey authorities to have a bilateral series this calendar year.

PHF President, Akhtar Rasool , wants both countries to resume their rivalry and believes it will benefit both the countries financially. Rasool said that that fanaticism for hockey is nowhere close to where it was in the past and this in turn was making it difficult to get sponsorship deals and people in the stadiums. Rasool revealed that Pakistan hockey was facing a financial crisis for which he had asked the government to help with a special grant of 650 million rupees.

Rasool stated: “The inconsistent performance of our team since last year has hit the popularity of hockey in the country and we need a series to lift its sagging image among the people,”

“That is why we are keen to revive bilateral ties with India and we have initiated talks with them.”, added Rasool.

Rasool also guaranteed tight security for the Indian hockey team in Pakistan if at all they decide to play in the future.

“We will then willingly go to India. We know there will be questions and debate about the security but we firmly believe that if the Indian hockey federation is on board with us and this series can be made possible very soon.”