Zahid Sharif
to receive benefit hockey match on September 6
Asher Butt
In a
gesture long overdue, Pakistan's former Olympian Zahid Sharif will be
celebrated with a special benefit hockey match on September 6, offering not
only recognition for his contributions but also a lifeline during a time of
personal hardship.
The
announcement was made by veteran organizer Muhammad Yaqoob during a press
conference held at the SJAL Office in Lahore, where he outlined plans for an
international fixture supported by Pak Hero Hockey Club. “Foreign players will
be invited, and letters have been sent to both the Prime Minister and the Chief
Minister of Punjab seeking their presence and backing,” Yaqoob stated.
Sharif, once
a dominant force in Pakistan’s Olympic hockey squad, shared a sobering account
of his struggles: “Paying even basic utility bills has become a major challenge
for me,” he said, his words punctuating a quiet crisis faced by many retired
athletes. His plea for help was matched by a broader call for reform.
Urging
authorities to restore job placements for hockey players — a policy that once
ensured stability for national athletes — Zahid Sharif emphasized the urgent
need to revive the sport from both grassroots and governance levels.
His appeal
to the Chief Minister of Punjab to attend the match is more than ceremonial;
it’s a push for visibility and commitment from leadership toward hockey’s
revival.
He further
stated that September’s match will be more than a tribute — it’s a reflection
of Pakistan’s complex sports history, where glory often fades into obscurity
unless institutions step forward. Zahid Sharif’s story shines a light on the
gap between sporting excellence and systemic neglect.
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