Islamabad, 15 October, 2026 (Nosheen): The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group on Thursday signed a sponsorship agreement aimed at promoting hockey, supporting young talent and improving Pakistan’s performance in international competitions. The signing ceremony was held in Islamabad and attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Vital Group’s Mian Asad, national team players and former Olympians. Addressing the ceremony, Ahsan Iqbal said hockey was an important symbol of Pakistan’s national identity and expressed confidence that the country could regain its lost glory in international hockey. He said talented young players were being encouraged to restore Pakistan’s golden era in the sport and emphasised that the national team should once again raise the country’s flag on the international stage. The minister highlighted the importance of private-sector investment in sports, saying financial security would enable players to concentrate on their performance instead of worrying about their expenses. He stressed that a player’s attention should remain on scoring the next goal rather than arranging money to meet personal needs.

Ahsan Iqbal also underlined the growing role of science, technology and data in modern sports, adding that physical fitness, mental strength, discipline and consistent training were essential for international success. He offered the national hockey team the use of the National Sports City in Narowal as a permanent training base, stating that the facility provided international-standard facilities for 14 sports at one location. He added that the government was working to provide hockey players with modern training facilities and a supportive environment. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said the federation would take all possible measures to promote hockey and collaborate with private sponsors to strengthen the sport. He described the agreement with Vital Group as an important step towards the development of hockey and the creation of greater opportunities for young players. Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said public-private partnerships were essential for sports development and noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had specifically mentioned a proposed hockey league in his budget speech. He added that the government had restored departmental sports and was providing athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. Mashhood also said a large number of Dutch players would be available for the Pakistan Hockey League and expressed confidence that ongoing efforts would strengthen the country’s hockey structure. Pakistan, once a dominant force in international hockey, has been working to revive its position through improved training, institutional support, private investment and greater opportunities for emerging players.