Hockey has been a popular sport since the early 19th century, when it was first played in England. It quickly spread to other parts of Europe and North America, where it became a beloved pastime for many. The modern game of hockey is based on the original rules and regulations that were established in 1875. Since then, the game has evolved to become one of the most popular sports in the world. With its exciting and fast-paced nature, hockey is a sport that continues to captivate audiences around the globe.
Pakistan Hockey Federation
Hockey was originally brought to Pakistan during
the British Rule and like cricket it became a popular sport among the
local population. The Pakistan Hockey Federation came into being in 1948. In
the beginning, the Federation's membership included the provincial hockey
federations of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bahawalpur, East
Bengal and the Pakistani Armed Forces Sports Board. Pakistan played
their first international game in London when they defeated Belgium
2-1 at the 14th Olympic Games on 2 August 1948.
The first President of PHF was Ghazanfar
Ali Khan, with Baseer Ali Sheikh as the Honorary Secretary. The
Pakistan national side soon established a strong reputation in international
competition, helping to maintain interest in the game in Pakistan which
assisted the growth of the Federation. However, no full-time central office or
secretariat, as such, was established until the 1960s.
The office of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, located at
the National Hockey Stadium was developed into a secretariat in 1971.
It was during the second term as president of Air Marshal Nur Khan from
1978 that Pakistani hockey entered a golden age. National senior, national
Junior and women hockey teams were all competing internationally. On the
personal initiative of Air Marshal M. Nur Khan, the FIH introduced the World
Cup and the Champions Trophy, which are now rated among field
hockey's major international tournaments alongside the Olympics.
However, the 1976 Olympics in Montreal had seen the introduction of artificial turf to international hockey competition. Pakistan was unable to build many artificial turf pitches compared to the European sides, and thus the strength of the national side began declining slowly. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is the national governing body of sport of Hockey in the Country. PHF is affiliated with the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
From 1978 onwards, national and international activities
of National Senior, National Junior and Women Hockey Teams were increased
manifolds. PHF introduced the World Cup and the Champion Trophy Tournaments,
which are now rated next to the Olympics. Presently, Brig (r) M. Khalid S.
Khokhar is the President, whereas, Mr. Shahbaz Ahmad Sr. (H.I) is the Secretary
General of PHF.
International Achievements:
World Cup:
Pakistan won the World Cup four times in 1971, 1978, 1982
and 1994 respectively. Pakistan also won two times Silver medalist in 1975 and
1990.
Olympics Medals:
- In 1956, Pakistan won one Silver medal
- In 1960, Pakistan achieved one Gold medal
- In 1964, Pakistan won one Silver medal
- In 1968, Pakistan achieved one Gold medal
- In 1972, Pakistan achieved one Silver medal
- In 1976, Pakistan won one Bronze medal
- In 1984, Pakistan achieved one Gold medal
- In 1992, Pakistan won one Bronze medal
Champion Trophy:
- Pakistan won three times Champions Trophy in 1978, 1980 and 1994 respectively.
- Pakistan stands six times Silver medalist in 1983, 1984, 1988, 1991, 1996 and 1998.
- Pakistan Hockey team also stands six times Bronze medalists in 1986, 1992, 1995, 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Asian Games:
- Pakistan won eight times Asian Games in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990 & 2010.
- Pakistan stands two times Silver medalists in 1966 and 1986.
- Pakistan stands three times bronze medalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006.
Commonwealth Games:
- In 2002, Pakistan won one Bronze medal.
- In 2006, Pakistan obtained one Silver medal.