LAHORE, Aug 6 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced a special grant of Rs1.2 million for six former players on the request of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

A PHF press release states that PHF President Qasim Zia made a request to the prime minister that six former players and their families were in financial crisis and the PHF wanted to help them.

Accepting the fact, the prime minister announced the grant.

The players include two Olympians Afzal Mana and Zakir Hussain, and four internationals -- Mohammad Irshad, Mehmood Hussain, Noor Alam (late) and Mazhar (late).

Widows of both Noor and Mazhar will receive the grant.