LAHORE: International Hockey Federation (FIH) has granted Pakistan the rights to host the eight-nation qualifying competition for the 2024 Olympic Games, the tournament will be held in Lahore next year from January 13-21.
It is after a 19-year hiatus that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will host any notable event. According to an announcement made by the PHF, the tournament in Lahore will mark the first major international hockey event to be hosted by Pakistan after the 2004 Champions Trophy. The country staged the 1990 World Cup, which was also held in Lahore.
PHF secretary Haider Hussain, while expressing delight at Pakistan getting the hosting rights of an Olympic qualifying tournament, also emphasised the event’s potential to revive hockey in the country by attracting a large number of spectators.
As the top three teams from the said qualifying round will earn spots in the 2024 Olympics, Pakistan sees this as a crucial opportunity to secure a place in the prestigious tournament. Having failed to qualify in the last two editions held in Brazil (2016) and Japan (2020), Pakistan is determined to make its mark.
Hussain assured that the PHF would spare no effort in ensuring that the event is memorable. The federation aims to deliver a successful tournament and provide a platform for Pakistan’s national team to excel.