The government’s ongoing efforts to breathe new life into Pakistan’s national sport, hockey, have encountered a major setback. Local clubs have raised eyebrows after the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) sharply hiked ground charges at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.
Fee Hiked by Almost 300%
Instead of providing better facilities and support to hockey clubs, the PSB has imposed a steep hike in stadium usage charges. The daily fee for registered clubs has been raised from PKR 1,500 to PKR 5,700 — a nearly 300% increase. The decision has sparked outrage among the local hockey community, especially at a time when the sport is struggling to regain its former glory.
Clubs Approach Federal Authorities for Intervention
Following this decision, a number of hockey clubs registered under the Islamabad Hockey Association have penned formal letters to:
Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah
Federal Secretary, Mohiuddin Wani
The clubs have asked them to intervene at once and cancel the raised ground charges. They reminded the authorities that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has consistently evinced a strong commitment to support and re-energize hockey in Pakistan.
Financial Burden on Young Players
The hockey clubs contend that the increase in fees imposes a significant financial burden on youngsters, most of whom are from humble backgrounds. Rather than promoting participation, the action will likely discourage young people from taking part in the sport because of the expense.
Free Training for At-Risk Students
Clubs such as Rising Star Hockey Club and many other clubs have been conducting free training sessions for college and school students for many years. These exercises are meant to engage young people in healthy and constructive activities, but the recent spike in running expenses now compromises their capacity to carry on.
Clubs Call for Urgent Withdrawal of Charges
The letter written to the federal officials expressly calls for the immediate reversal of the raised charges. The clubs are of the opinion that in the absence of government assistance and affordable access to facilities, the aspiration to bring back hockey to its previous national glory will be just a pipe dream.
Conclusion
As Pakistan’s national sport enters one of its most critical rebirth periods, actions that raise the barriers to grassroots participation risk reversing years of advances. The grassroots hockey community now waits for a positive reaction from federal officials to help guarantee that the sport not only endures but flourishes anew.
