PHF hires top Dutch coach Richard De Snaijer to revive Women’s Hockey
By Nawaz Gohar ; In a major step toward reviving women’s hockey and restoring its past glory in the country, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed renowned Dutch strategist Richard De Snaijer as the head coach of the Pakistan Women’s National Hockey Team.
According to the PHF, De Snaijer’s appointment is part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy designed to overhaul women’s hockey, align the team with modern tactical standards, and re-establish Pakistan’s footprint on the global stage.
De Snaijer brings over two decades of top-tier coaching experience across the Netherlands and Belgium. His extensive portfolio includes key leadership roles, notably serving as the former Technical Director for prominent European clubs KHC Dragons and LMHC Laren.
The PHF highlighted that De Snaijer will work closely with National Coaching Advisor Herman Kruis. Together, they will focus on elevating the national team’s performance, developing player skills, and implementing modern training regimes.
Furthermore, the federation revealed that the new head coach will help create direct pathways for Pakistani players to train with European hockey clubs. His mandate also includes establishing a sustainable grassroots system spanning from school-level hockey to the national squad.
Expressing high hopes for the partnership, PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani stated that De Snaijer’s arrival marks the dawn of a new era for Pakistan women’s hockey, emphasizing that female athletes deserve top-tier opportunities and complete administrative support.
Wani reiterated the federation’s resolve to build a modern hockey program capable of restoring Pakistan’s pride and competitive edge in international women’s hockey.
