LAHORE, June 4 : In a significant move aimed at motivating the national hockey squad ahead of a busy international season, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has distributed Rs45 million among players selected for upcoming assignments, marking the first time such payments have been made before a major overseas tour.
Under the payment package, each player received approximately Rs2.2 million. The amount includes Rs700,000 in allowances related to participation in the FIH Pro League, while an additional Rs1.5 million was paid as a reward announced by the Prime Minister following Pakistan’s successful qualification for the next Hockey World Cup.
PHF President Muhsin Naqvi described the initiative as a positive step toward supporting players financially and improving team morale before important international competitions. He said the federation remains committed to assisting players and ensuring their welfare despite ongoing administrative challenges facing the sport.
PHF President Muhammad Tahir Vani highlighted that players were compensated according to international standards, receiving daily allowances of $110 during the Pro League campaign. He added that the government continues to play an active role in hockey affairs under the directives of the Prime Minister, reflecting renewed efforts to revive the country’s standing in the sport.
Officials believe the financial support will allow players to focus fully on their performances as Pakistan prepares for a demanding schedule in Europe. The national team is set to begin its FIH Pro League engagements in Belgium, where it will face hosts Belgium and Spain between June 13 and June 20.
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The tour will then move to England, where Pakistan is scheduled to take on traditional rivals India as well as England from June 23 to June 27. These matches are considered crucial for the team’s development and preparation against top-ranked international opposition.
Following the Pro League fixtures, Pakistan will shift its focus to the FIH Hockey World Cup. Preparations for the prestigious tournament will intensify ahead of the event, which is scheduled to be held jointly in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 14 to August 30.
PHF officials have expressed confidence that the combination of financial incentives, government backing, and international exposure will help the national side deliver improved performances on the global stage.
