The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has issued a stern warning to the Pakistan government and the conflicting factions within the nation’s hockey administration to resolve their ongoing dispute by Thursday or face dire consequences, including potential suspension.
A spokesperson from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) disclosed that the FIH has unequivocally emphasized the urgency of resolving the discord between the rival groups through governmental intervention. Failure to resolve this could result in Pakistan being suspended from international hockey activities. The looming suspension threatens Pakistan’s participation in upcoming tournaments such as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup scheduled from May 4th to May 11th in Malaysia, as well as the Nations Cup slated from May 31st to June 9th in Poland.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding their participation, the organizers of the Azlan Shah Cup have sought guidance from the FIH on the matter. Despite the turmoil, the Shehla Raza-led PHF has proceeded to announce the squad for the tournament, signalling their intent to participate. Conversely, another faction under the leadership of Tariq Hussain Bugti has engaged with the hosts in a bid to field a Pakistani team.
Notably, the Bugti-led faction has extended an invitation to esteemed Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans to Islamabad, intending to enlist his expertise in preparing the teams for both the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the Nations Cup.
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