A significant development has emerged in the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) nationwide School Hockey Development Program, under which 881 schools across 62 districts nationwide have been approved for the initiative.
PHF approves 881 schools across 62 districts for Nationwide School Hockey Program
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): A significant development has emerged in the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) nationwide School Hockey Development Program, under which 881 schools across 62 districts nationwide have been approved for the initiative.
Meanwhile, the registration deadline has been extended to August 23, said a press release.
In light of special directives from PHF President, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, complete hockey kits will be delivered to all approved schools within two to three weeks. Representatives from provincial hockey associations and provincial sports boards across Pakistan will also be actively involved in this process.
According to the PHF, the approved institutions include 802 public and 79 private schools, placing the public sector’s share at 91% of the total selection.
Regional data shows Punjab leading with 620 schools, followed by Sindh with 143 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 106. Additionally, 6 schools from Balochistan, 5 from Islamabad, and 1 from Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) have been included in the program.
In terms of district-wise distribution, Karachi leads with 118 schools, followed by Toba Tek Singh with 115 and Rawalpindi with 94. Other approved figures include Rahim Yar Khan (68), Bahawalpur (62), Jhang (53), Sahiwal (36), Mansehra (34), Chiniot (33), and Faisalabad (32).
The PHF noted that three districts—Karachi, Toba Tek Singh, and Rawalpindi—account for 327 schools combined, representing 37.1% of the overall total, while the top five districts collectively comprise 457 schools.
The objective of the PHF School Hockey Program is to promote hockey at the grassroots level, organize sports activities in schools, and establish a robust talent pathway to identify future athletes. This initiative is part of the PHF’s broader strategy to revive hockey, focusing on transforming schools into primary hubs for grooming national talent.
According to the federation, the upcoming phase will involve final district and tehsil mapping, phased delivery of hockey equipment to schools, structured regular activities, and a monthly reporting framework, alongside targeted efforts to expand coverage in underserved areas.
