ISLAMABAD: The National Ball and Deck Hockey Championship got underway at the Pakistan Sports Complex’s Roddam Hall on Friday.
The championship features men’s and women’s teams representing all four provinces, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Police department, reflecting wide national participation and growing interest in the game. Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Pirzada formally inaugurated the tournament. Speaking on the occasion, Pirzada expressed his satisfaction over the inclusion of women’s teams alongside men, terming it an encouraging sign for the development and inclusivity of sports in the country.
President of the Pakistan Ball and Deck Hockey Federation, Inam-ul-Haq, said that this was the fourth National Ball and Deck Championship to be organised under the federation’s banner. He acknowledged the continued support and cooperation of the Pakistan Sports Board in promoting the sport. Inam-ul-Haq further disclosed that Pakistan is set to host the Ball and Deck Hockey World Cup in the second week of February, with participation expected from more than six countries, a development he described as a major milestone for the federation and the sport in Pakistan.
