In order to assist the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in meeting its financial responsibilities for the national team’s participation in the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy in China, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has released a sum of Rs23 million to the PHF.
The financial support is a “crucial support” to guarantee the team’s performance and competitiveness at the international level, according to a PSB news statement.
Prior to the national team’s trip to China, PHF officials disclosed that the federation was experiencing financial difficulties and needed loans in order to make arrangements for the team to compete in the highly anticipated competition. Nonetheless, the board promised to reimburse the federation for the stated sum.
According to the press release, the PHF has received a special grant of Rs96.65 million from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and PSB in the past six months for their participation in various international events, demonstrating their continued dedication to the growth of hockey.
The financial backing, it continued, was just another illustration of PSB’s “commitment to promoting hockey and fostering a competitive environment” for Pakistani athletes around the world.
Pakistan lost to host China in a penalty shootout in the Asian Champions Trophy semifinal. Nevertheless, they prevailed over Korea 5-2 in the bronze-medal match to round out the podium.
They had earlier fallen 1-2 despite putting on a brave display against longtime rivals India in the group encounter.
