Lahore: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti unveiled on Monday that the federation has requested an extension in the deadline set by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to confirm the participation of her national team to the Pro League.
The Apex Hockey Federation, last month, formally invited the Pakistan men’s team to participate in the Pro League after the withdrawal of New Zealand from the tournament despite winning the Nations Cup.
In the meantime, the PHF received a deadline of 12 August to inform the Apex Federation about their decision to accept or refuse the invitation.
However, according to the latest development, PHF president Bugti has revealed that they have asked for an expansion because they are in discussion with the government.
“Discussions with the government with regard to the Pro League are underway, good news will come soon,” Bugti told reporters here on Monday.
“Fih had given a deadline of 12 August to inform, but we asked an extension of the deadline until August 20,” he added.
The PHF president was also of the opinion that the Pro League participation will give the national team a sufficient exposure, while he also reveals that the Federation has sent a PKR 350 million budget to the government for approval.
“Participation in the Pro Hockey League will give players exposure and improve the ranking of the team,” Bugti continued.
“A budget of PKR 350 million has been drawn up and sent for the Pro Hockey League, while PKR 700 million is needed for other events throughout the year, including the Pro Hockey League,” he added.
Tariq Bugti further discussed the participation of the national team in the upcoming Asia Cup in India, which states that it depends on receiving the government’s approval.
“The government must decide whether the team will be sent to India for the Asia Cup,” Bugti said.
“We will adhere to the decision that the Pakistan government makes,” he added.
However, he emphasized the safety problems for the national team in India, so he wants to analyze the regulations across the border before he made the decision.
Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
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