Doha: Ace Pakistan forward Rehan Butt wants the hockey federations of Asia countries to rally together and make a case for more representation at the International Hockey Federation.
The former Pakistan captain, who is in Doha to take part in a two-match series against Holland starting tomorrow, feels that only pushing in “more members from Asian countries in the governing body”, would help in the growth of hockey in Asia.
“Our representation has to increase and Asian Federations have to forget their differences if any, and make sure there are enough people out there to speak on our behalf,” said Butt adding:
“It is the lack of representation that has seen Asian teams losing their grip over the sport. The rules have gone in favour of the European style of hockey and Asian teams have to pay a high price for that.”
Agreeing that the FIH committee was an elected body, Butt however felt that it was “lack of interest and active participation from some our associations that has let Asia lose its grip over the sport”.
“This has not happened in a day. There was no one, strong enough from our side, to press for our cause and slowly the power shifted into the hands of European teams.
“And I don’t blame them, when you have more representation the decision-making is always going to be inclined to one side.
“It has happened and now we have to see how we can get some of our guys out there to raise our voice.” Butt wanted the Indian and Pakistani federations to take the onus in their hands and get things rolling.
“Pakistani and Indian hockey federations have to talk to each other and find out ways to do that. We are still the bigwigs of hockey in the region and can’t shy away from our responsibilities. If you have to see hockey where it was before, not just improvement in play, these things matter.”
The strained relationship between the two neighbouring countries has seen some fierce but thrilling battles in the field of sport and Butt feels it has done more harm than good to the sport.
“I still remember during the last Asia Cup, our coach asked the Indian counterpart if there should be India-Pakistan series and the reply was: “Why don’t you first give an account of our soldiers at the border first and then we will think of a Pak series. After that there was lot of tension going on and it was in the semifinals in Argentina that we played India. “The boys wanted to get back at the Indians and we handled the pressure well. However, I feel these things don’t help our cause.
“We are happy with winning our personal battles while our joint aim should be how to tackle European teams.”
Butt pointed out that the war of words between the two countries plays on the mind of the players.
“Both countries might have their own interests and point of view on various issues. Whether it is India or Pakistan or any other country in conflict, the politicians have to understand that sports can play a vital role to bind two nations which no individual can do.
“Players are like dancers, as long as a dancer can dance, he or she will be paid. Likewise, till the time a player plays, he is paid but political issues do not allow him to play with a free mind.”
With most of the teams reluctant to play in Pakistan citing security concerns, Butt wants them to choose Qatar as a neutral destination for hockey in Asia.
“Teams around the world should seriously consider Qatar as a neutral venue.
“The possibility of an India versus Pakistan series doesn’t look like happening any time soon nor are other teams willing to play in Pakistan. So teams should consider playing with us here in Doha.
Here, there is the infrastructure and a hockey-loving expatriate community. I wish they all will seriously consider the option of coming here in Doha after this Holland series.”
The former Pakistan captain, who is in Doha to take part in a two-match series against Holland starting tomorrow, feels that only pushing in “more members from Asian countries in the governing body”, would help in the growth of hockey in Asia.
“Our representation has to increase and Asian Federations have to forget their differences if any, and make sure there are enough people out there to speak on our behalf,” said Butt adding:
“It is the lack of representation that has seen Asian teams losing their grip over the sport. The rules have gone in favour of the European style of hockey and Asian teams have to pay a high price for that.”
Agreeing that the FIH committee was an elected body, Butt however felt that it was “lack of interest and active participation from some our associations that has let Asia lose its grip over the sport”.
“This has not happened in a day. There was no one, strong enough from our side, to press for our cause and slowly the power shifted into the hands of European teams.
“And I don’t blame them, when you have more representation the decision-making is always going to be inclined to one side.
“It has happened and now we have to see how we can get some of our guys out there to raise our voice.” Butt wanted the Indian and Pakistani federations to take the onus in their hands and get things rolling.
“Pakistani and Indian hockey federations have to talk to each other and find out ways to do that. We are still the bigwigs of hockey in the region and can’t shy away from our responsibilities. If you have to see hockey where it was before, not just improvement in play, these things matter.”
The strained relationship between the two neighbouring countries has seen some fierce but thrilling battles in the field of sport and Butt feels it has done more harm than good to the sport.
“I still remember during the last Asia Cup, our coach asked the Indian counterpart if there should be India-Pakistan series and the reply was: “Why don’t you first give an account of our soldiers at the border first and then we will think of a Pak series. After that there was lot of tension going on and it was in the semifinals in Argentina that we played India. “The boys wanted to get back at the Indians and we handled the pressure well. However, I feel these things don’t help our cause.
“We are happy with winning our personal battles while our joint aim should be how to tackle European teams.”
Butt pointed out that the war of words between the two countries plays on the mind of the players.
“Both countries might have their own interests and point of view on various issues. Whether it is India or Pakistan or any other country in conflict, the politicians have to understand that sports can play a vital role to bind two nations which no individual can do.
“Players are like dancers, as long as a dancer can dance, he or she will be paid. Likewise, till the time a player plays, he is paid but political issues do not allow him to play with a free mind.”
With most of the teams reluctant to play in Pakistan citing security concerns, Butt wants them to choose Qatar as a neutral destination for hockey in Asia.
“Teams around the world should seriously consider Qatar as a neutral venue.
“The possibility of an India versus Pakistan series doesn’t look like happening any time soon nor are other teams willing to play in Pakistan. So teams should consider playing with us here in Doha.
Here, there is the infrastructure and a hockey-loving expatriate community. I wish they all will seriously consider the option of coming here in Doha after this Holland series.”
Comments