National hockey players get Rs 2.2m each ahead of FIH Pro League

LAHORE, Jun 05 (APP): Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) disbursed 45 million rupees among members of the national hockey team ahead of their participation in the FIH Pro League.

The move is considered as a major boost to the morale of the national hockey players as each player, according to PHF officials, received 2.2 million rupees under the latest financial package. The amount includes Rs700,000 in Pro League participation allowances and Rs1.5 million as a special reward announced by the Prime Minister following Pakistan’s qualification in the upcoming Hockey World Cup.

PHF President Mohyuiddin Wani said the federation had taken the unprecedented step of releasing payments before the team’s departure for an international event, underscoring its commitment to supporting players and boosting morale.

“This is the first in PHF history that the players have received financial incentive prior to a major international assignment,” he said, adding that PHF will continue to extend support to the players while efforts are being made to remove administrative and operational obstacles facing national sport in the country.

The PHF chief stated that players had also been paid daily allowances at the rate of $110 per day for their participation in the Pro League. He noted that hockey affairs in the country are being managed under the guidance of the Prime Minister, with a focus on restoring Pakistan’s standing in international hockey.

Pakistan’s national team is scheduled to begin its European campaign with Pro League matches against Belgium and Spain in Belgium from June 13 to 20. The team will then travel to England for fixtures against India and England from June 23 to 27.

Following the Pro League, Pakistan will shift its focus to preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 14 to 30.