ISLAMABAD, Feb 6: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is likely to consider awarding central contracts in three categories to 25 national players.

Dawn on Friday was informed by a PHF official on condition of anonymity that a draft in this regard has been prepared. According to it, central contracts in ‘A’ category come with a salary of Rs50,000 while, ‘B’ pays Rs35,000 and ‘C’ Rs25,000.

The draft, prepared by PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa, is expected to be approved soon by President Qasim Zia.

The matter of central contracts, said the official, would be decided in the upcoming meeting between the president and the secretary of the federation.

“The central contracts are expected to attract more players to the sport due to their financial benefits,” he added.

The players to be awarded yearly contracts would be announced by the PHF selection committee,” he informed.

The federation is already paying US $100 per day as match fee to the national players who accompany the team on international visits.

PHF has been struggling to revive hockey both at the national and international levels since the historic Beijing Olympic Games debacle where the team finished eighth in the 12-team competition.

When contacted to comment on the central contracts, Pakistan hockey captain Shakeel Abbasi pointed out: “The central contracts will be of great financial help especially for the emerging junior players.”

The junior players, according to him, would then work harder in order to attain a good professional level and be considered for the ‘A’ or ‘B’ categories.

Shakeel, who represented Pakistan in 265 international hockey matches, asserted that the improvement in players’ match fee structure through central contracts would definitely help the new PHF management achieve its objectives.