Latest news with #RanaMujahid
India.com
05-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Pakistan awaits government nod for Asia Cup and Junior Hockey World Cup participation
Pakistan Hockey team. New Delhi: High-ranking officials of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have stated that both organizations are still waiting to receive official government clearance to take part in two big international hockey events to be held in India later this year. An Indian source at the ministry of sports said on Thursday there would be no restriction of the teams of Pakistan to compete in the Asia Cup later in the month & later this year in the Junior World Cup. The official stressed that banning the participation in multilateral events would be against the Olympic Charter. The Asia Cup will be staged in Rajgir, Bihar, between August 27 to September 7 and the Junior World Cup will be held in Chennai and Madurai between November 28 and December 10. PHF awaiting for response According to PHF Secretary General Rana Mujahid, the federation had requested the PSB through an official request to allow its sending of teams across the borders. 'But the PSB has forwarded the official query to the concerned ministries and they are yet to respond,' he explained. Khurrum Shahzad, PSB spokesman also said no final decision has been conveyed. 'Participation as of now remains unconfirmed until the government conveys its policy on sending sports teams to India for any event,' he said. Shahzad further said that the PSB had in turn forwarded the request to Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination which had forwarded it to Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A verdict on such departments is yet to be made.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Pakistan yet to get government clearance for Asia Cup, Junior Hockey World Cup in India
Senior officials from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) have confirmed that they are still awaiting government clearance to participate in two major hockey tournaments scheduled in India later this year — the Men's Asia Cup and the Junior World Asia Cup is slated to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27 to September 7, while the Junior World Cup is set to take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December Secretary General Rana Mujahid said that a formal request has been submitted to the PSB seeking approval to send national teams to India, but no final word has been received. 'The PSB has forwarded the official query to the concerned ministries, and they are yet to respond,' he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. PSB spokesperson Khurrum Shahzad added that participation remains unconfirmed until the government communicates its stance. 'We have sent the PHF's request to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, which in turn has forwarded it to the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A decision is awaited,' Shahzad an Indian sports ministry source clarified on Thursday that Pakistan will not be barred from competing in either event, as doing so would contravene the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political interference in multi-national sporting competitions.'We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national event. Blocking Pakistan would be a violation of the Olympic Charter. However, there will be no relaxation when it comes to bilateral events,' the source said. The ministry's position also opens the door for Pakistani participation in other upcoming tournaments in India, including the Junior World Cup of Shooting and the World Para Athletics Championships, both scheduled later this year in New and Pakistan have not engaged in any bilateral sporting contest since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Even multi-lateral encounters have come under question in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions, including the April Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent military response through Operation Sindoor. However, the Olympic Charter, which treats sport as a vehicle for peace and cooperation, compels host nations to accommodate all qualified participants in global events.'Even Russia and Ukraine continue to compete in the same tournaments despite being at war. That's how international sport operates, and we are respecting those norms,' the Indian ministry source for the Asia Cup of cricket, which may feature a high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in September, the official said the ministry has not yet received a request from the BCCI and will address the issue when approached.- EndsMust Watch
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pak presence in FIH League in limbo
Pakistan hockey team's participation in the high-profile FIH Pro League hangs in the balance due to uncertainty of funding. PHOTO: AFP Pakistan's participation in the upcoming FIH Pro Hockey League hangs in the balance as the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has yet to provide a clear commitment on funding to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). A crucial meeting between PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada and PHF Secretary General Olympian Rana Mujahid ended without a breakthrough. Speaking to the media, Rana Mujahid said that the costs of participating in the Pro League are significantly high and appealed to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir for urgent assistance. He noted that while India receives an annual grant of 3 billion rupees for hockey, Pakistan's funding situation remains dismal. "The expenses of the Pro League are enormous. We hope the Prime Minister will come to our aid. We have also appealed to Field Marshal Asim Munir," Mujahid stated. He added that Pakistan's performance in the FIH Nations Hockey Cup was satisfactory, and that the federation is committed to following government and PSB guidelines. He also confirmed that senior team head coach Tahir Zaman will soon present his training and competition plan. Mujahid warned that if Pakistan commits to the Pro League but fails to participate, it could face sanctions from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). "We have reached out to the FIH President and requested more time to resolve the situation," he said. Meanwhile, DG PSB Yasir Pirzada said that approximately USD 2.5 million is needed for Pakistan's participation in the Pro League. "We have asked PHF to submit a working paper. The financial requirement is substantialthis is not cricket, where funds flow easily. We will present the matter to the government and the Prime Minister," Pirzada explained. He also mentioned that the usage charges of Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium were increased to meet maintenance costs but promised to review club-level fees. "Hockey is our national sport and should be given priority," he affirmed. The fate of Pakistan's appearance in the prestigious international league now rests on swift government intervention and timely financial support. Yasir Pirzada unveils roadmap for sports development Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Yasir Pirzada, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap focused on infrastructure development, athlete training, and long-term sports promotionunderscoring Pakistan's determination to reclaim its sporting stature on the regional stage. With Pakistan set to host the South Asian Games in January 2026, the PSB has entered a decisive phase in its efforts to uplift sports nationwide. Speaking to a delegation of the Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), led by President Abubakar Bin Tallat, DG Yasir Pirzada provided a detailed overview of preparations for the upcoming regional event. "Hosting the South Asian Games is a matter of national pride, and we are taking all possible measures to meet international standards in infrastructure, training, and athlete welfare," Pirzada stated. He highlighted the ongoing renovation and development work at the Pakistan Sports Complex, where significant upgrades are underway to transform the facility into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting international events. Pirzada emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Secretary IPC Mohyuddin Wani, the government is strongly committed to reviving and promoting sports across the country. He added that special attention is being given to national training camps, which now include advanced coaching, nutritional planning, and psychological support to help athletes compete at the highest level. Beyond the Games, DG PSB also outlined broader sports development initiatives, including grassroots talent identification programs, school and college competitions, and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening the foundation of sports in Pakistan. The session concluded with an open exchange of suggestions from journalists, reinforcing the PSB's commitment to media collaboration and the long-term growth of sports in the country. The RISJA delegation included Abdul Mohi Shah, Shakeel Awan, Zulfiqar Baig, Nasir Naqvi, Shakir Abbasi, Afzal Javed, Shahryar Khan, Arfa Feroze Zaki, Awais Abbasi, and Kiran Khan.
Economic Times
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Cash-strapped Pakistan to send national team for FIH Nations Cup hockey
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation has managed to send its national team for the FIH Nations Cup being held in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia from June secretary Rana Mujahid said that the federation president, Mir Tariq Bugti had got grants from the government, sponsorships and even individual donations to ensure the senior team plays in all its international events in the calendar year."The PHF is going through a financial crunch but we are managing somehow because unless our players don't compete regularly they will never move forward," the Olympian is currently ranked 15th in the FIH rankings, an improvement from the 20th position in Green Shirts didn't qualify for the last World Cup and last feattured in the 2012 London said the current federation was trying its best with its limited resources to first and foremost ensure players had no complaints about financial were facilitated properly and given the best training and preparation before each event."I have been a player myself and I know when the federation takes good care of a player he focuses completely on his game," he a first, the PHF has allowed head coach Tahir Zaman to select the 20-member squad himself without the help of any Imad Butt has been retained as captain for the eight-nation competition, which also features hosts Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa and Waheed was named as vice-captain for the squad includes goalkeepers Muneer-ur-Reh-man and Abdullah Ishtiaq, alongside field players Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Mo-een Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abd-ul Rehman and Ahmed and Rana Waleed will travel as reserves."The selected team is a balanced one and we are hopeful that this team will produce desired results," Tahir said."I picked the players based on their camp and recent performances in international events," he said the FIH Nations Cup was a major event for Pakistan as a win would mean a promotion to the FIH Pro League next year and also prepare the players to qualify for next year's World Cup from other events like the Asia Cup and qualifying tournament.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Cash-strapped Pakistan to send national team for FIH Nations Cup hockey
The cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation has managed to send its national team for the FIH Nations Cup being held in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia from June 15-21. PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said that the federation president, Mir Tariq Bugti had got grants from the government, sponsorships and even individual donations to ensure the senior team plays in all its international events in the calendar year. "The PHF is going through a financial crunch but we are managing somehow because unless our players don't compete regularly they will never move forward," the Olympian said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This 'Invisible Workout' Is Quietly Replacing Diets in the UK dailybuzzreport Undo Pakistan is currently ranked 15th in the FIH rankings, an improvement from the 20th position in 2022. The Green Shirts didn't qualify for the last World Cup and last feattured in the 2012 London Olympics. Live Events Mujahid said the current federation was trying its best with its limited resources to first and foremost ensure players had no complaints about financial hardships. They were facilitated properly and given the best training and preparation before each event. "I have been a player myself and I know when the federation takes good care of a player he focuses completely on his game," he said. In a first, the PHF has allowed head coach Tahir Zaman to select the 20-member squad himself without the help of any selectors. Shakeel Imad Butt has been retained as captain for the eight-nation competition, which also features hosts Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa and Wales. Rana Waheed was named as vice-captain for the campaign. The squad includes goalkeepers Muneer-ur-Reh-man and Abdullah Ishtiaq, alongside field players Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Mo-een Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abd-ul Rehman and Ahmed Nadeem. Mohib-ullah and Rana Waleed will travel as reserves. "The selected team is a balanced one and we are hopeful that this team will produce desired results," Tahir said. "I picked the players based on their camp and recent performances in international events," he added. He said the FIH Nations Cup was a major event for Pakistan as a win would mean a promotion to the FIH Pro League next year and also prepare the players to qualify for next year's World Cup from other events like the Asia Cup and qualifying tournament.
