SPORTS
Pakistan Hockey Team Protests Rs400 Daily Allowance
The Pakistan hockey team has raised strong objections over the Pakistan Sports Board’s (PSB) offer of Rs400 as a daily allowance. The offer came as part of an invitation to a luncheon in Islamabad, where players were also given Rs5,600 cheques.
Team captain Imad Shakeel Butt outright rejected the offer, stating, “This amount isn’t even enough to cover toll expenses.” His comments reflected the growing frustration of national athletes over their continued neglect.
Initially, Imad declined to attend the event. However, after persuasion from head coach Tahir Zaman, he eventually agreed to participate.
Six players were invited from the hockey team including Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah Muneebur Rehman, and Hanan Shahid. Athletes from other disciplines like Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt were also invited.
The incident once again highlights the long-standing issue of inadequate financial support and recognition for Pakistani athletes—especially in hockey, a sport that once brought global glory to the nation.