PHF lifts ban on Mansoor, approves Rs 500 million budget

The Executive Board and Congress of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) accorded approval to Rs 500 million budget of the PHF in a meeting held here on Tuesday. The budget shows a shortfall of Rs 300 million. Secretary PHF Asif Bajwa told reporters after the meeting that Prime Minister, who is also the patron of PHF, will provide the federation requisite funds to meet the shortfall as per his commitment.
The Executive Board and Congress authorised the PHF president and secretary to appoint team management and members of the selection committee. It was also decided to lift life ban imposed on former Pakistan goalkeeper, Mansoor Ahmed. It may be noted that Mansoor had to face life ban on the allegations of human trafficking and his negative criticism on PHF. Mansoor in his mercy petition sought unconditional apology for his acts.
The Executive Board and Congress also approved the calendar of activities for the year 2011 which also includes participation in a 4-nation tournament in Ireland, tour of Scotland, a 4-nation tournament in Holland, Asian Champions Trophy, Azlan Shah cup and test matches series against Spain, Holland and Germany.
Secretary PHF, Asif Bajwa said the Dutch coach would continue to work as chief coach of the national team. The members of the selection committee will be announced before January 20, he said, adding, "Our target is World Cup and Olympic Games." Bajwa said with the visit of Egyptian hockey team to Pakistan in March, 2011, international hockey will return to Pakistan. Pakistan hockey team will be visiting Egypt in February while Egyptian hockey team will visit Pakistan. "Pakistan hockey suffered a lot in the last few years due to security issues as foreign teams refused to visit Pakistan," he said.
Bajwa said PHF has constituted a three member committee comprising NWFP's Zahir Shah, Punjab's Rana Mujahid and Wapda's Sagheer Ahmed to put up suggestions to stop the participation of averaged players in National championship. PHF has already barred players aged 30 years from taking part in National Championship.