Qamar Zia has shown his serious concern at the falling standards of the game in Pakistan.—Photo by AP

Speaking on the occasion, the 10-time gold medallist showed his concern at the falling standards of the game in Pakistan. 

'Of the 20 titles won by Pakistan, some 16 were taken between the 1970s and '80s. Having contributed so much for hockey despite a lack of facilities in those days, we, the former Olympians really worry when we see so little interest for hockey in our youngsters today,' he said.

'We had launched the 'Go Jamali Go' movement last year in the hope that the new PHF management with new people would be able to produce positive results. But although the current federation President Qasim Zia managed to get funds while also taking several revolutionary measures, there is also his Secretary Asif Bajwa who has the audacity to compare his seniors to old model cars,' he added.

'The PHF no doubt is facing a major crisis. Therefore, I have decided to launch the 'Crisis Resolving Mission', which will have me calling a conference inviting all former Olympians and lovers of the sport including PHF President Qasim Zia to join hands and look for ways of getting out of this mess that the federation has landed itself into,' he said.

While avoiding giving their names, which he said would be disclosed later, Qamar said that he had the support of some 15 to 20 Olympians in his mission.

'I also appeal to the federation's patron-in-chief Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to support our mission by forming a committee comprising former Olympians,' he joked.

Calling the PHF Executive Board's recent decision of imposing a lifetime ban on Olympians Mansoor Ahmad and Naveed Alam as unconstitutional, the senior player said 'They too deserved a probe committee to look into the accusations being made by them just like the Executive Board formed a disciplinary committee for the over-age player Ayesha Basheer. 

'We would like the Executive Board to reconsider their decision,' he stressed.

On being asked if his sentiments had anything to do with ego as he had said that Bajwa had called his seniors old cars, Qamar said that that was not the case. 

When asked if he was upset with the current PHF management as he wasn't offered a position in the federation after taking part in the 'Go Jamali Go' movement, Qamar said 'Absolutely not. I wouldn't even accept any post if offered as I just don't have the time. 'But,' he added, 'I have seen so much success in my lifetime. People wouldn't even come to receive us at the airports when we got silver. I want to see the team on the victory stand in events like the Olympics, the World Cup and the Champions Trophy.'

When reminded about the team's recent performances like winning the series with England and getting the silver medal in the Asia Cup, Qamar said that coming second in an Asia event was nothing great.  

The meeting ended on the note that the 'Crisis Resolving Mission' could also turn into a 'Go Bajwa Go' movement, if the PHF paid no heed to the former Olympians' concerns.