Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has taken another step towards rebuilding Pakistan’s hockey at the grassroots level, formally launching its school hockey development initiative in Punjab with the distribution of hockey kits among 145 schools in Rawalpindi.
PHF launches grassroots hockey drive in Punjab, 145 Rawalpindi schools receive kits
RAWALPINDI, Aug 21 (APP): Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has taken another step towards rebuilding Pakistan’s hockey at the grassroots level, formally launching its school hockey development initiative in Punjab with the distribution of hockey kits among 145 schools in Rawalpindi.
The initiative, being led by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani in collaboration with the Punjab Sports Board and School Education Department, is focused on creating and strengthening Under-15 hockey teams in schools and giving young players a better opportunity to learn and compete.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, IPC Secretary and PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, and legendary Olympian and World Cup champion Shahnaz Sheikh attended the ceremony and encouraged the young players taking their first steps in the sport.
Former Pakistan captain, World Cup champion Olympian Nasir Ali and PSB Deputy Director General Shahid-ul-Islam were also present.
Officials from the Punjab School Education Department, Rawalpindi Hockey Association, hockey coaches, players and a large number of hockey supporters also attended the ceremony.
The PHF plans to take the initiative a step further with the Under-15 National Hockey Championship in January 2027, giving school-level players a national platform to test their skills and compete against the best young talent from across the country.
The next phases of the programme will see hockey kits distributed and the initiative expanded to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Faisalabad, followed by South Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
The PHF said the purpose of the initiative was not simply to distribute equipment but to bring children closer to hockey, provide them with regular coaching and create a system through which talented players could be identified and developed from an early age.
The federation believes that a strong national team can only be built when the foundation is strong. By taking hockey back to schools, the PHF aims to create a steady pipeline of young talent capable of representing Pakistan at the highest level in the years ahead.
With the launch of this programme, a new pathway from school hockey to the national team is beginning to take shape.
