KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the China Hockey Association (CHA) are joining forces to challenge India’s dominance in Asian hockey through a new joint initiative.
The two nations, neighbours of world-ranked number five India, which recently clinched a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, will stage a series of friendly matches next month.
This collaboration is part of a memorandum signed last month, which also includes an exchange programme allowing players from both countries to compete in each other’s leagues.
Speaking to Scoop from Islamabad, PHF president Tariq Masoori Bugti emphasised that the partnership aims to elevate both nations’ performances by learning from each other.
For the record, Pakistan is ranked 15th in the world, while China sits at 23rd. Both nations have seen considerable success in the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy (ACT).
“Our countries have long maintained good diplomatic relations. China is now a rising hockey power in Asia, and we need their support to elevate our own game,” Tariq said when contacted.
“We’ve signed a memorandum with the China Hockey Association to implement an exchange programme, where both nations will compete in each other’s leagues and tournaments.
“Next month, we’ll be sending our men’s and women’s teams to China for a ten-day series of test matches to help both teams grow stronger.
“We aim to surpass India and become number one in the region. China shares this goal, and we are ready to challenge India’s dominance.”
Tariq also revealed that Pakistan will play friendly matches against Belgium and the Netherlands later this year as part of their Asian Cup preparations.
“Despite some financial challenges, we have been performing well in our recent tournaments, and I’m proud of what our players and coaches are accomplishing.
“Besides playing against China, I have also managed to discuss with the Netherlands and Belgium teams about travelling there for several friendly matches until the end of this year.
“I have full trust in our coaching setup, and we will definitely continue to progress in the future. We cannot expect a miracle to happen, but we are moving in the right direction,” Tariq added.
It was recently reported that the PHF has faced internal issues, including delays in funding from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for this year’s ACT and reports of a rift between team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt and assistant coaches Zeeshan Ashraf and Usman. – October 5, 2024