ISLAMABAD: President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Olympic Association Syed Aqil Shah demanded due share for the province when it comes to organizing hockey matches against visiting teams. Reacting against Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) plans to hold matches against World XI in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, he said it was unjust to single out Peshawar. “We organized international wrestling events involving Inoki in toughest of times. We can easily host international hockey matches with the help of KPK Hockey Association. I do not know why Peshawar and KPK has been singled out.” Aqil Shah also expressed his doubts over the PHF capacity to invite active hockey players. “Like Cricket Board, the PHF must come up with names of players first. It is useless to invite retired players and give them the name of World XI. The PHF must invite active players from best of hockey playing nations.” Aqil Shah said that eight best teams are gathering in India from December 1-10 in India to play the World Hockey League finals. If the PHF officials have the required negotiation powers they can easily invite 15 best to play a few matches in Pakistan at the completion of League. I have my doubts over the required capacity of PHF.” Aqil was also critical of PHF decision not to honour KPK Association teams in Under-16 teams for the nationals. “The PHF is setting wrong precedent. The KPK Hockey is genuinely elected body and as such has all the right to select teams. The PHF bosses should rise above personal grudges and give every province their due rightly.” He said that if KPK Hockey officials approached him he would take up the matter with Pakistan Olympic Association and with government.
