Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced a cash reward of Rs1 million for each player of the Pakistan national hockey team.

 

The announcement came after Naqvi met with national hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt who congratulated the minister on receiving the Nishan-e-Imtiaz and briefed him about the challenges in hockey, including participation in the Pro Hockey League.

 

The two also discussed issues related to player welfare and rehabilitation.

 

Naqvi said that the PCB’s professional medical team will handle the medical and fitness cases of hockey players. “We will also resolve the visa issues of hockey players, and our logistics team will facilitate them in this regard,” he stated.

 

The minister praised the team for qualifying for the Pro Hockey League, calling it a matter of pride. “I will play my full part in ensuring the national team’s participation in the Pro Hockey League,” Naqvi assured.

 

He further pledged full support for the revival of hockey in Pakistan and reiterated his commitment to assist players at every step.

 

It merits mention that last month, the FIH formally invited Pakistan to feature in the Pro League after New Zealand, despite winning the Nations Cup, pulled out of the competition.