He described the Islamabad event as an important step towards opening a new chapter for Pakistan hockey.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the next International Hockey Federation (FIH) Nations Cup, with 10 international teams expected to participate as the country intensifies efforts to revive its hockey fortunes.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram announced the development during an event in Islamabad focused on restoring Pakistan’s position in international hockey.

The federal government also pledged its full support to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to strengthen the sport and improve the national team’s performance.

Ikram described the Nations Cup as a major international competition, ranking among hockey’s most significant events after the World Cup and the Olympic Games.

He also announced that Islamabad’s Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium had been approved as an official FIH High Performance Centre, a development expected to improve training facilities and support the growth of local players.

The FIH president emphasised that Pakistan needed reforms in hockey governance and greater investment in national team preparations to return to the highest level of international competition.

He said players required financial assistance, modern training facilities and access to internationally qualified coaches to improve their performance.

Ikram also expressed the hope that India would visit Pakistan to play international hockey.

Government Pledges Support for Pakistan Hockey

Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah said hockey remained an important symbol of Pakistan’s national identity and sporting heritage.

Recalling the country’s history as a leading force in international hockey, he acknowledged that recent performances had fallen short of expectations.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the government to give special attention to the revival of the national sport.

“The government stands with the hockey federation,” Sanaullah said, urging the PHF to develop a comprehensive strategy for rebuilding the game.

He assured the federation that the government would provide players with the necessary facilities and support to improve their performance.

The minister also called on former national players and senior hockey figures to contribute their experience and expertise to the revival process.

Sanaullah stressed the need to bring committed individuals into hockey administration, saying the sport should be protected from political interference.

PHF Calls Nations Cup a Milestone

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Wani said government-level efforts were underway to promote hockey and strengthen its future in the country.

He described the Islamabad event as an important step towards opening a new chapter for Pakistan hockey.

National Assembly member Zeb Jaffar also welcomed the decision to host the 10-team international tournament, saying it would help promote the sport and generate greater interest in hockey across the country.

She described the agreement between the PHF and FIH as a milestone for Pakistan hockey.

Hosting the Nations Cup is expected to provide Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase its organisational capabilities and strengthen its presence on the international hockey stage.