LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) wants a go-ahead signal from the government to hold an invitational international tournament every year, in an attempt to revive international sports activities in the country, secretary Rana Mujahid said on Wednesday.

“No foreign team is willing to tour Pakistan in the present circumstances but as the situation is now improving the country looks relatively safer; and this is the right time to attract international teams to Pakistan. To achieve this purpose, invitational tournaments can play pivotal role,” Mujahid said prior to leaving for Incheon, South Korea where he will meet other Asian countries dignitaries during the Asian Games in order to seek ways for restoring international sports activities in Pakistan.

“After getting the government approval, the PHF will contact both the Asian and world hockey bodies to pave the way for holding an invitational tournament in Pakistan,” he said.

“The Asian and world bodies have expressed their interest in the revival of hockey activities in Pakistan. However, they have some major concerns on security, which only the [Pakistan] government can address.”

The PHF, Mujahid added, would not repeat the mistake in getting an invitational tournament from the AHF and the FIH, which it had made in introducing the two world famous events —World Cup and Champions Trophy — which had now become a regular FIH event.

The official revealed: “The PHF will get the hosting right of the proposed invitational tournament for life, and no other country will be allowed to stage it, unlike the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, which every country holds on the basis of bidding.”

He added the PHF had also sent a proposed budget to the Inter-Provincial Ministry for this tournament, which was around Rs120 million, as the federation would offer air travel tickets, besides boarding and lodging facilities to the participating countries.

“But the PHF believes after a couple of editions this event will not be a burden on the exchequer, as it will be in a position to earn profits,” he said.

To a question, Mujahid said he was not expecting any team’s visit to Pakistan in 2014, but expressed hope a couple of foreign teams —including India — would arrive next year.

Published in Dawn, September 18th , 2014