KARACHI Former Pakistan captain Islahuddin Siddiqui, in collaboration with the City District Government Karachi, will shortly launch a hockey academy at Kehkashan, Clifton.

An international-standard hockey stadium will also be constructed besides the academy with the support of the CDGK and Saddar Town.

An inaugural ceremony was held at the stadium site on Friday which was attended by Olympian Islahuddin, former Test cricketer Sadiq Mohammad, President Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) Wasay Jalil, Nazim Saddar Town Mohammad Dilawar, and TMO Saddar Mukhtar Hussain.

Town Nazim Muhammad Dilawar told reporters on the occasion that the CDGK has done wonderful development work in the city including development of sports infrastructure for the youth.

The construction of the new hockey stadium in Clifton will help the sportsmen in Karachi to use the facilities for developing their skills and in polishing their talent.

Dilawar added that naming the academy after legendary hockey player like Islahuddin was an effort to honour and pay homage to him for his services to the game.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal will perform the stone-laying ceremony of the new stadium next week.

KHA President Wasay Jalil said a brand new international standard astro-turf will be laid at the stadium.

Led by Islahuddin, a panel of expert coaches will impart training and coaching to youngsters at the academy.