Samiullah distances himself from PHF’s announcement

KARACHI: Former Pakistan hockey team captain Samiullah has distanced himself from Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) announcement regarding his appointment as chairman of talent hunt committee, saying that he was never consulted by the PHF.

The PHF had earlier today said that Samiullah has been appointed as chairman of PHF’s talent hunt program to find and nourish new talent in the country.

“Pakistan Hockey Federation has appointed Pakistan’s former captain, legendary Samiullah Khan, popularly known as the flying horse, the Chairman PHF Talent Hunt Program,” said a PHF statement.

However, Samiullah said that PHF didn’t consult him before making any such announcement and at the moment he was not ready to work with the federation.

“Firstly, they never talked to me about this. A normal SOP is to ask the person if he’s interested or not before appointing him to any post,” Sami told Geo News.

“I haven’t talked to anyone in PHF for last two months and suddenly this news comes which is surprising to me,” he added.

The former captain, who is also known as flying horse, added that he was not interested to work with the PHF if they’re not serious.

“I want to make it categorically clear that I am not willing to work with the PHF if they are not serious about bringing hockey’s house in to order,” he said.

Earlier, PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed told Geo.tv that Samiullah was the best choice to lead the program as he has the eye to spot hockey talent.

“Samiullah himself has said that PHF should start talent hunt at the grass roots level, so the president PHF has taken a note from his advice,” he said

Shahbaz had said that Samiullah has been authorised to constitute the formal committee and formally launch the talent hunt program.

“It will be on the discretion of Samiullah,” Shahbaz said when asked about the other members of talent hunt committee.

“We would look for players at U15 and U16 level from inter-school competition to create a pool of players who can serve the country in future,” he added.

The secretary PHF had confirmed that the PHF has received positive feedback for the proposed hockey league in the country.

“We are working on it, including the event management and players’ availability, and will soon announce a full program on it,” he said.

Shahbaz confirmed that PHF was aiming to earn at least Rs250 million from the proposed hockey league.