FIH urges PHF to resolve parallel bodies issue

 

FIH urges PHF to resolve parallel bodies issue

By our correspondent

LAHORE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has intervened in the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), issuing an ultimatum to resolve the issue of parallel bodies within the organization.

In a letter addressed to the PHF, the FIH emphasized the need for clarity regarding the officially recognized representatives of the federation, warning that the presence of parallel bodies could impact Pakistan's participation in future international events.

The letter highlighted the existence of two factions within the PHF, one led by Tariq Bugti and the other by Shehla Raza. The FIH stressed the importance of identifying the legitimate representatives to avoid confusion and ensure the smooth functioning of the national team.

Acknowledging the urgency of the matter, the FIH underscored the need for swift resolution to facilitate Pakistan's participation in upcoming tournaments, including the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and FIH Nations Cup. Expressing concern over the potential disruption to the athletes' participation, the FIH urged the PHF to address the internal administrative issues promptly.

Moreover, the FIH clarified that its president, Tayyab Ikram, would refrain from involvement in the resolution process to maintain impartiality. Instead, the matter will be handled by senior management within the FIH to ensure fairness and transparency.

The FIH set a deadline for the PHF to reach a resolution by the end of the week, emphasizing that failure to do so would prompt further action, including intervention by the Pakistan Government and/or the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to facilitate a resolution.

In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the patron-in-chief of the PHF, has delegated authority to Advisor on Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood to address the issue in the best interest of the sport. A meeting is scheduled for April 25 to discuss the matter, where Mashhood will listen to the viewpoints of both factions, particularly the breakaway federation led by Shehla, which has been organizing its activities independently.

With important international tournaments on the horizon, including the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia and the FIH Nations Cup in Poland, the urgency of resolving the internal turmoil within the PHF cannot be overstated. The FIH's intervention underscores the critical need for swift and decisive action to safeguard Pakistan's participation and uphold the integrity of the sport.