News Desk: Balochistan has completed construction of hockey grounds in Sibi and Mariabad, Quetta, as the provincial government steps up efforts to revive Pakistan’s national sport and provide young players with improved training facilities.
Director General Public Relations Balochistan Askar Khan announced the development at a hockey promotion ceremony held at Ayub Stadium, Quetta, organised jointly by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Balochistan Hockey Association, Education Department and Sports Department.
He said the initiatives were part of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s efforts to improve sports infrastructure, encourage healthy activities among young people and promote hockey across the province.
Askar Khan said the Mariabad hockey ground was ready, with the installation of lights remaining. The work is expected to be completed within the next few days, enabling players to practise and play during evening hours.
He stressed that developing sports facilities and promoting hockey at the school level were essential to identifying emerging talent and restoring Pakistan’s past achievements in the national sport.
The DGPR said young players needed quality coaching, regular training, modern facilities and sustained encouragement to develop their abilities and compete at national and international levels.
He also highlighted the distribution of hockey kits and sports equipment among students from 25 schools in Quetta, describing the initiative as a step towards encouraging greater participation in hockey among schoolchildren.
Speaking at the event, Syed Amin Shah, the chief minister’s Principal Staff Officer and general secretary of the Balochistan Hockey Federation, said the province’s youth had considerable talent and determination.
He said providing young players with suitable facilities and opportunities could help produce athletes capable of representing Balochistan and Pakistan at national competitions. He added that sports helped promote discipline, self-confidence, tolerance and teamwork.
Special Secretary of the Balochistan Education Department Rizwan Qadeer said sports were essential for students’ physical and mental development. He emphasised that schools should provide more opportunities for students to participate in sporting activities alongside their education.
The speakers called for continued coordination among the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Balochistan Hockey Association and provincial education and sports departments to strengthen hockey and engage young people in constructive activities.
Sports Director Sajjad Aslam Baloch, Deputy Director Jameel Ahmed and other officials also attended the ceremony.
