PHF Associate Secretary Denounces Provisional Affiliation of DHA Club, Highlights PSB’s Mismanagement of Hockey
Peshawar… Syed Zahir Shah, the Associate Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), strongly criticized the provisional affiliation of DHA Club with the federation, stating that it holds no legal standing in the constitution. Speaking during a discussion at Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium in Peshawar, Shah revealed that the PHF committee was unaware of a recent meeting where the affiliation was decided, and they were not consulted about it either. He emphasized that the opinions of provincial hockey associations were sought in a letter sent by the PHF secretary.
Shah expressed his disapproval of the high-profile meeting where decisions about DHA were made without consulting relevant stakeholders such as Ali Abbas and others. He stressed that the PHF, as an institution, operates based on consultations and adherence to its own laws, rather than personal decisions.
Shah further highlighted that the PHF secretary had previously forbidden any dealings with DHA, but he later disregarded this directive and met with DHA representatives without informing anyone.
The Associate Secretary asserted that the provisional affiliation of DHA Club has no place in the constitution of the Pakistan Hockey Federation. He explained that when a department contacts the PHF, playing rights are granted in the initial stage, but it does not grant them provisional affiliation.
Shah also criticized the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for questioning the PHF’s authority and undermining the national sport of hockey. He pointed out that, despite the PSB having the Prime Minister of Pakistan as its Patron Chief, their actions and decisions should not interfere with the PHF’s management of hockey. He called on the PSB to refrain from playing with the national sport and demanded proper respect for the PHF’s authority and decisions.