ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced two major policy initiatives ahead of international junior competitions, mandatory medical screening and a comprehensive anti-doping awareness programme.
The PHF has made it compulsory for all prospective players of the national Under-18 team to undergo thorough medical screening. The move is aimed at meeting international standards of age verification and ensuring that only eligible players represent Pakistan in global competitions, thereby safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the game.
In another key development, the federation has partnered with the Pakistan Anti-Doping Authority to launch a nationwide anti-doping awareness campaign for both junior and senior national teams. The initiative will focus on educating players, coaches, and officials about international anti-doping regulations, safe use of supplements, and their responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
Educational seminars and workshops will be conducted prior to all foreign tours to ensure players are well-informed about evolving global standards and compliance requirements. One of the PHF officials while talking to The News emphasized that the dual approach combining medical screening with anti-doping education is aimed at protecting players’ physical well-being while fostering a culture of integrity and fair play. “These measures are a long-term investment in the future of Pakistan hockey, helping build a strong foundation of ethics and discipline from the grassroots level,” a PHF spokesperson said.
The spokesperson further confirmed that these measures will now be implemented on a permanent basis across all hockey centres in the country. The initiative aligns with best practices recommended by the International Hockey Federation and WADA.
The federation also expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Sports Board and the Pakistan Anti-Doping Authority for their support in implementing these programmes.
