Pakistan Hockey Federation launches fresh push for women’s hockey revival
By Nawaz Gohar ; After years of focusing primarily on the men’s circuit, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially signaled a strategic pivot toward the revitalization of the women’s game. In a high-profile move,
PHF President and Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), Mohyuddin Wani, has entrusted former Deputy Mayor of Islamabad, Syed Zeeshan Naqvi, with the critical mandate of revolutionizing women’s hockey in the federal capital.
The announcement served as the centerpiece of the closing ceremony for the Shahida Raza Memorial Hockey Tournament, held at the historic Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium.
The event, named in honor of the late hockey stalwart, was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Ammara Awais Niazi (Patron, Islamabad Girls Hockey Academy), Event Secretary Riffat Masood, and several icons of the sport.
Addressing the gathering, Mohyuddin Wani articulated a clear vision for the national sport’s future. He emphasized that with the senior and junior men’s structures now stabilized, the federation’s “full weight” is being thrown behind the women’s department.
“The revival of Pakistan hockey is incomplete without the empowerment of our female athletes,” Wani remarked. “Our objective transcends mere participation; we are creating a framework of exposure and opportunity that will allow our women to compete on the global stage. Restoring Pakistan’s lost stature in hockey is a collective mission, and women’s development is now at the heart of that journey.”
The PHF President’s decision to enlist Syed Zeeshan Naqvi is seen by industry insiders as a move to bridge the gap between administrative policy and grassroots execution. Naqvi’s proven track record in the federal capital is expected to breathe new life into local academies and talent hunt initiatives.
On the turf, the final of the memorial tournament provided a glimpse into the raw potential waiting to be tapped. Olympian Zakir Hockey Academy Wah delivered a masterclass in attacking hockey, clinching the title with a commanding 7-0 victory over Islamabad Girls Hockey Academy.
The match belonged to the clinical Anaya Batool, who registered a spectacular hat-trick, while Shireen Fatima and Areeba Aslam added two goals apiece to complete the rout.
As Wani distributed the silverware amongst the athletes, the atmosphere at Naseer Bunda Stadium was one of cautious optimism. For a sport that has long yearned for its golden era, this fresh push for women’s hockey suggests that the path to revival may well be paved with inclusivity and renewed administrative vigor.
