FIH President Eager to See Pakistan’s Return as Major Hockey Host

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is reportedly collaborating actively with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to bring top-tier international hockey events back to the country once again, as confirmed by FIH President Tayyab Ikram.

Speaking on the future of Pakistan as a host nation, the FIH President emphasized that discussions are underway to ensure the revival of major tournaments in the region. He also highlighted Pakistan’s rich hockey heritage and the world-class facilities available, particularly in Lahore, which boasts the world’s largest hockey stadium.

“We are working closely with the PHF to ensure that Pakistan soon hosts major international hockey competitions. The country has beautiful venues, and Lahore stands out with the largest hockey stadium in the world,” Ikram stated.

Pakistan, a historically dominant force in hockey, has been striving to regain its stature on the global stage, both in terms of performance and hosting rights. A return to hosting major tournaments could serve as a significant boost for the sport’s revival in the nation, which has produced legendary players and clinched multiple world titles in the past but has struggled to find its footing in recent years.

A promise of hosting an FIH is nothing new for Pakistan hockey. After being awarded the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers for Paris Olympics, Pakistan was stripped of the hosting rights because of “growing concern over non-cooperation and undue interference in the daily operations of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)”. The 2004 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy remains the last major FIH event that Pakistan hosted.

With this commitment from the FIH, Pakistan’s hockey fraternity is hoping for a swift return of high-profile international matches, bringing back the excitement of the sport to a country that once ruled the world of hockey.