Pakistan Hockey Federation Faces Scrutiny Over Club Championship, Associate Secretary Raises Concerns

Pakistan Hockey Federation Faces Scrutiny Over Club Championship, Associate Secretary Raises Concerns

Peshawar, Pakistan – Syed Zahirshah, Associate Secretary and Director Development Domestic of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent Chief of Army Staff Inter Club Hockey Championship. He raised concerns about the lack of scrutiny in the selection process, stating that it contradicts the established rules and regulations of the federation.

Speaking about a viral video featuring the Secretary of Islamabad, Syed Zahir Shah questioned the legitimacy of quickly approving clubs without proper scrutiny. According to him, the registration of a new club should be based on a two-year evaluation period, assessing performance, discipline, and activities. He emphasized the importance of following due process and avoiding hasty decisions that could compromise fairness and integrity.
Syed Zahir Shah criticized the apparent irregularities in the recent election, pointing out that it is unacceptable to replace one club with another during the ongoing tournament. He stressed that the Chief of Army Staff Inter Club Hockey Championship should maintain its credibility and transparency. Shah expressed his readiness to defend the lack of scrutiny, citing the absence of any such provision in the constitution and emphasizing that voting rights are granted after a minimum of eighteen months.

Highlighting the need to adhere to established rules, Syed Zahir Shah emphasized that no individual is above the law. He called for an end to interference in other provinces and districts and urged the Pakistan Hockey Federation to prioritize the game of hockey over personal agendas. Expressing his disappointment with the situation, he specifically mentioned the deterioration of the Balochistan Hockey Association and the lack of clarity regarding its president.

Syed Zahir Shah also criticized the conflicting statements within the federation, with Sindh President Islahuddin opposing the election process. Shah questioned the legitimacy of Haider Hussain as the secretary if the election was indeed flawed, suggesting that his position should be reconsidered.

Additionally, he raised concerns about Ali Abbas’s involvement in the scrutiny process and questioned his authority to interfere in provincial and district affairs. Syed Zahir Shah expressed his disappointment with the disrespect shown towards the Pakistan Hockey Federation on social media and urged the federation to address these concerns and take appropriate action regarding the alleged misconduct of the secretary.

In an effort to clarify the situation, Syed Zahir Shah announced that a press conference would be held after the Muharram period, where he would provide detailed explanations and insights into the matter.