The cash-strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has turned down Hockey India’s (HI) offer for financial aid after it evoked strong reactions from a cabinet minister and former players. “We cannot accept this offer from HI despite their polite gesture as this is purely an internal matter of the PHF,” Pakistan Hockey Federation president Akhtar Rasool said.
“It is all drama by the PHF to get more funds. It is a shameful situation for us that India is offering us financial assistance for our hockey,” former Olympian and captain Samiullah said. Similar reactions came from other former players and federal minister for information Pervez Rasheed said India’s offer showed the incompetence of PHF.