National Bank of Pakistan to revive its departmental hockey team

ISLAMABAD: There has been a significant development in efforts to revive hockey, the national game of Pakistan. The National Bank of Pakistan has decided to re-establish its departmental hockey team. The move is being seen as an important step towards restoring institutional patronage of the national game.

The decision is welcome news for the hockey community, particularly for talented young players who were waiting for lasting job opportunities and a platform to prove their abilities at the highest level.

The recruitment of players is being started immediately, while the National Bank hockey team will also take part in the upcoming National Games.

Pakistan Hockey Federation welcomes decision

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) warmly welcomed the move. It expressed confidence that the return of a major national institution to departmental hockey would strengthen the structure of hockey in the country, create job opportunities for players and help in the lasting revival of the sport.

The National Bank of Pakistan has played a key role in the past in promoting hockey and training players, who went on to represent Pakistan at the international level. It is expected that other public and private institutions will also invest in sport and come forward to support national talent.

PHF President Muhiuddin Ahmad Wani called the decision a positive and timely step for the future of Pakistan hockey. He thanked the leadership of the National Bank of Pakistan.

He stressed that reviving departmental hockey is essential for the financial security of players, for strengthening competition at the national level and for preparing future national players.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has reaffirmed its resolve to work with public and private institutions to increase opportunities for male and female hockey players, so that Pakistan can regain its lost position in world hockey.