Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a province rich in hockey talent, is facing significant challenges that hinder the development of its young athletes. Despite the potential of these players to represent Pakistan on international stages, the lack of adequate infrastructure, sports quotas, and institutional support is stifling their growth and opportunities.
Syed Zahir Shah, president of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association and vice-president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), highlighted the ongoing struggle for support during an interview with The Express Tribune. He noted that the province continues to produce skilled players, as evidenced by the recent trials that attracted around 160 participants from across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Shah expressed disappointment with the current state of support from the government, particularly under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration, which he had high hopes for given Imran Khan's background as a sportsman. "We had very high expectations from the PTI government, but unfortunately those expectations proved wrong," he remarked, reflecting on the decline of hockey in the region.
Historically, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had a robust pipeline for hockey talent, with enough players to form second and third-choice squads for the national team. Shah attributes the decline in player development to the diminishing sports quotas in educational institutions and the lack of job opportunities for athletes. He recalled a time when educational institutions like Engineering College Peshawar had six sports seats and Khyber Medical College had two reserved for athletes, which has since changed.
In the past, various departments, banks, and public-sector organizations played a crucial role in nurturing hockey talent by providing jobs and maintaining hockey teams. Major supporters included National Bank, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Customs, WAPDA, PTCL, UBL, and HBL. Shah pointed out that PIA alone had three hockey teams, and every bank had policies in place to support sportspersons. However, he lamented that players have been left without support in recent years.
To address these issues, Shah has called for the revival of departmental teams and the restoration of sports quotas, advocating for at least five reserved seats for talented athletes in every degree college. He emphasized the importance of reviving school hockey, which he believes is the foundation of Pakistan's hockey system. Without immediate action and support, the future of hockey in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa remains uncertain, and the province risks losing its rich legacy of producing top-tier players.
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