ASK any youngster about hockey and you will find a blank expression. They do not know that hockey is still our national game. This is because the performance of our hockey team over the years has been pathetic.

The year 2018 was, in particular, very harsh and unforgiving for the lads in green as they suffered back-to-back defeats at international tournaments.

Gone are the days when we used to be the best among the best in hockey. The dismal performance last year by our national team speaks volumes about the pathetic national hockey affairs. Instead of a retired brigadier, the PHF should be headed by a person who understands modern hockey.

Physical as well as mental fitness is vital if one wants to compete in today’s game. Hockey may die in Pakistan if we continue giving such poor performances.

Jaffar Naqvi

Lahore

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2019