Asif Pledges to Address Hockey Issues with PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asif Munir

The captain of Pakistan’s national men’s hockey team, Ammad Shakeel Butt, has expressed his appreciation for Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s dedication to revitalizing hockey in the nation.

According to reports, Khawaja Asif engaged with several national hockey athletes, including team captain Ammad Shakeel, amidst the ongoing dispute regarding the squad’s outstanding payments.

During their discussion, Khawaja Asif affirmed his commitment to exhaust all avenues for promoting the sport and pledged to reinstate departmental teams, according to Ammad Shakeel.

Furthermore, Khawaja Asif assured that he would present the issues and potential resolutions to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

Following the meeting, Ammad Shakeel shared his gratitude on X, formerly known as Twitter, indicating optimism for the future.

Ammad wrote, “I was privileged to meet Defence Minister Khawaja Asif today. I am thankful for the time and dedication he has shown towards the revival of Pakistan Hockey. The journey ahead appears promising, InShaAllah.”

Ammad Shakeel brought the financial concerns to light during the team’s participation in the FIH Nations Cup, voicing considerable discontent over the insufficient financial backing from relevant authorities, emphasizing the continuous neglect of hockey.

Despite the pending dues, the national team proceeded to compete in the FIH Nations Cup final, where they faced a 6-2 defeat against New Zealand.

Subsequently, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) invited the team to a luncheon; however, Ammad Shakeel declined, citing inadequate compensation for travel expenses.

The PSB had allocated Rs. 5,600 to Ammad Butt for his travel to Islamabad, but the captain chose to forgo the event, stating that the amount was insufficient.

Ammad stated upon declining the invitation, “This amount scarcely covers the toll charges.”

A total of six players from the national hockey team, including Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah, Muneeb ur Rehman, and Hannan Shahid, received invitations to the luncheon.