PHF Secretary Reports Players Traveled to Poland with the Team but Did Not Return to Pakistan
PHF Secretary Announces Lifetime Ban for Players and Physiotherapist Following Asylum Bid in Europe
In a recent emergency press conference held in Lahore, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary and Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali addressed a significant issue involving three national hockey players and their physiotherapist. The individuals in question had traveled with the team to Poland for a training camp but failed to return to Pakistan. Reports have emerged that these individuals are now seeking political asylum abroad.
According to Ali, the players—Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, and Abdul Rahman—along with their physiotherapist, Waqas, were initially invited to Poland for a training camp designed to prepare them for the Asian Champions Trophy. However, they did not return with the rest of the team. Instead, the players sent a letter expressing their apologies for their absence from the camp, which has raised concerns about their intentions and actions.
Ali revealed that the players and the physiotherapist traveled to Poland without the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC), a crucial document required for such international trips. This lack of proper documentation has added to the complications surrounding their current situation. The absence of the NOC not only breaches PHF regulations but also raises questions about the adherence to official protocols.
In response to this incident, the PHF has taken a firm stance. The federation has imposed a lifetime ban on Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, Abdul Rahman, and physiotherapist Waqas. This decision is pending final approval from the PHF Congress, which will review and ratify the ban. The lifetime ban reflects the seriousness of the breach and the federation’s commitment to maintaining discipline and adherence to regulations.
Rana Mujahid Ali emphasized that the PHF’s decision is a direct consequence of the players’ and physiotherapist’s actions, which have been deemed unacceptable by the federation. The players’ attempt to seek political asylum and their failure to return as scheduled have not only disrupted the team’s preparations but have also caused significant embarrassment for the national hockey program.
Furthermore, Ali announced that the PHF would be taking additional steps to address the situation. A formal letter will be sent to the Ministry of Interior to seek further action regarding the asylum applications of the players and the physiotherapist. The federation is determined to ensure that appropriate measures are taken in response to this situation and to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Prior to their departure, the players and the physiotherapist had been participating in a training camp in Karachi in preparation for the Azlan Shah Cup. Their sudden disappearance has left the team in a difficult position, with the absence of key players and support staff impacting the overall readiness for upcoming tournaments.
The PHF’s decisive actions underscore its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that all members of the national team adhere to established protocols. The federation’s response aims to address the immediate concerns raised by this incident and to reinforce the importance of compliance with official regulations and procedures.
As the situation unfolds, the PHF continues to work on resolving the matter and coordinating with relevant authorities to manage the implications of the players’ and physiotherapist’s actions. The federation remains focused on maintaining the standards and discipline necessary for the success of the national hockey program.