ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has reported significant progress in its nationwide School Hockey Development Program, with 711 schools from 54 districts registering for the initiative aimed at reviving hockey at the grassroots level.
According to the PHF, the growing number of registrations reflects renewed interest in the national sport and provides a structured platform for young players, particularly through Under-15 school teams.
Karachi and Toba Tek Singh currently lead the registration drive with 114 schools each, followed by Rawalpindi with 89, Rahim Yar Khan with 68, Jhang with 53, Sahiwal with 36, Chiniot with 33 and Faisalabad with 32.
Other participating districts include Mansehra (21), Jhelum (20), Chakwal (13), Swat (8), Bahawalnagar (8), Lahore (7), Nawabshah (7), Muzaffargarh (6) and Buner (6).
The PHF said the figures demonstrate that school hockey is regaining momentum in different parts of the country. However, the significant disparity in registrations between districts also highlights the need for greater grassroots mobilisation, particularly in areas with limited participation.
The federation noted that nearly 82 percent of registered schools are concentrated in the top 10 districts, while some districts have only one or two participating schools. Special measures will therefore be introduced to increase registrations in underrepresented districts while strengthening the program in areas where hockey already enjoys strong interest.
Building a Pathway to Pakistan’s National Team
Under the program, registered schools will be connected with the PHF’s Grassroots Development Pathway, with plans to establish U-15 boys’ and girls’ teams, provide equipment, arrange structured coaching and organize regular competitions.
The PHF is also working on coach training and certification to ensure participating schools have access to qualified coaches. The initiative is designed to create a consistent pathway for talented youngsters from school hockey to district, provincial and junior levels and eventually the national team.
The federation stressed that the registration of 711 schools represents only the beginning of a long-term effort to establish a nationwide school hockey network.
“Our goal is not just school registration, but the revival of hockey culture from the grassroots,” the PHF said.
The federation added that the participating schools would provide children with opportunities to receive quality coaching, compete regularly and develop the skills required to progress towards representing Pakistan.
The PHF will continue district-wise monitoring of the registration process and launch targeted initiatives to bring more schools into the program, particularly in districts where participation remains low.
Also Read: Intermittent Rain Continues Across Islamabad as Administration Keeps Teams on High Alert