Pakistan Hockey , Olympion Demand Jamali Resignanation

KARACHI,18 september: Top Pakistani Former Olympians at a seminar on Thursday In Karachi Local Hotel demanded the resignation of President of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali for Pakistan team’s worst-ever eighth spot in Beijing Olympics.

“Its time for Mr. Jamali to step down in larger interest of hockey after debacle in Beijing,” former Olympian and star centre-forward Hassan Sardar said at a local hotel.

“Despite the bleak scenario, hockey is still alive with the presence of large number of hockey players and supporters here,” charged looking Hasan said.

He said debacle in 1986 World Cup in London where Pakistan finished 11th was because of politics but in China it was worst-show in 15 Olympics for Pakistan.

Hasan Sardar said he personally respect Zafarullah Jamali but it was time for him to go. “I will go the Prime Minister and President for this purpose,” he added.

Four-Olympian Hasan Sardar, Nasir Ali, Rashid-ul-Hasan, Salim Sherwani, who were members of the Los Angles gold medal winning team, demanded stepping down of Mr. Jamali.

They claimed that hockey has gone down to the worst-ever position and its time for PHF boss to step down. He said Pakistan team also slumped to worst-ever sixth position in last year’s Asia Cup in Chennai.

Former International Muhammad Shafiq and a ex-manager of Pakistan junior team, who was the main organizers of the programme, called bringing in the change at the top.

He said like from the team management and selection committee, he was also expecting resignation from Mir Zafarullah Khan which never came.

Several players called for induction of former Olympic full back Qasim Zia as the new chief of PHF because of his connection with the ruling party and his long association with the sport.

Shafiq said during his era as the chief PHF mr Jamali has no say in International Hockey Federation or Asian Hockey Federation.

He said liked-minded group will soon be launching Hockey Players Association to serve the cause of the sport.

Majority of the players of the view and alleged that Mr Zafarullah Jamali has made hockey one-man-show with his wrong policies.

Olympians, who spoke on the occasion included former PHF Secretary Akhtar-ul Islam, Wasim Feroz and former member of PHF Mansoor Khan.

Other Olympians who attended the seminar included Qamar Zia, Muhammad Anis, Internationals Jan Muhammad, Khalid Paracha, Pervez Iqbal, Mumtaz Haider, Safdar Abbas, Arif Bophali, Sanaullah, Muhammad Ali, Asif Ahmed and some officials of Karachi and Sindh Hockey Association also attended the seminar.

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