Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to remove the current management of the national hockey team, sources said on Wednesday.
According to details the prime minister has also decided to remove Tariq Bugti from his position as president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
The decision reportedly includes the removal of the federation’s secretary general Rana Mujahid along with the existing team management.
Sources said the move was taken in light of serious financial irregularities and poor arrangements for players’ accommodation during the team’s tour of Australia.
For the new hockey federation setup the names of former Olympian Samiullah Khan ex-international Shahnaz Sheikh and Rashid Hasan are under consideration, sources added.
The decision is seen as part of broader efforts to reform Pakistan hockey and restore discipline and professionalism within the sport.
Earlier Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the substandard accommodation of the National Hockey team in Australia. According to the media reports, the accommodation of the players of the National Hockey team was not good.
The reports confirmed that there were three beds in one room and the rooms provided to the National Hockey team were not even clean. The accommodation of the National Hockey team was not according to international standards.
A private media channel reported that the players of the national team faced difficulty due to the poor accommodation in Australia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took immediate action and directed authorities to investigate the matter properly. The spokesperson of the sports board also said that the officials have started an inquiry after the direction of PM Shehbaz.
No Compromise on national team’s morale
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said that the government will not compromise on the honour and the facilities of the National Hockey team. He also warned of strict action against relevant authorities in the case of proven negligence and mismanagement.
It is important to mention that the National Hockey team is trying hard to perform better, and during this crucial time, providing fewer facilities to the national team can bring the players’ morale down.
