Army Welfare Trust (AWT) has announced that it will sponsor the Pakistan National Hockey Championship 2023.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director (MD) of AWT, Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar (Retd), at an agreement signing ceremony at AWT Head Office, Rawalpindi which was attended by famous Olympians i.e. Mr. Kaleem Ullah, Mr. Hanif Khan and Mr. Rahim Khan . He said that the sponsorship was a way for AWT to promote the development of hockey in Pakistan as a National Cause.
“We firmly believe that it is our duty to support the struggling game and to play our role to revive the glory days of Pakistan Hockey and we are committed to it”, said Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar (Retd).
The Secretary of AWT, Brig Mukhtar Ahmed (Retd)., said that the championship would be a great opportunity for young hockey players to showcase their talent. He said that AWT would provide financial support to the players and coaches participating in the tournament.
The PHF President, Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said that the sponsorship would be of great help in this struggling phase and will help to organise the annual championship, where we will be able to hunt and groom the best talent. “We are grateful to the management of AWT, especially Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar (Retd), MD AWT for taking keen interest in the game and providing the much needed sponsorship,” said Khalid Sajjad Khokhar.
The Pakistan National Hockey Championship is a prestigious tournament and a platform for young players to showcase their talent and to compete for a place in the national team.
The sponsorship from AWT is a major boost for the game and will encourage corporate sector to play their role in reviving Pakistan Hockey.
The sponsorship agreement between AWT and PHF received final approval from the General Headquarters (GHQ) in recognition of the promotion of the national game for the best interests of the country. President PHF, Brig. (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, and Secretary General Haider PHF Haider Hussain expressed their gratitude to AWT for its contributions to the welfare and national interest. During a meeting with Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar (Retd), MD AWT, PHF officials proposed the establishment of a welfare fund to support deserving hockey stalwarts who have brought honor to the country. Additionally, they discussed long-term and short-term plans for player welfare and the promotion of the national game, demonstrating the collective commitment to uplifting hockey in Pakistan.