Representative image.©PTI
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday handed life bans to five former Olympians for trying to form a parallel organization. PHF president Tariq Bugti said that former Olympians and international athletes Nasir Ali, Khalid Bashir, Saleem Nazim, Abbas Ali and Haider Ali have been given permanent bans. “PHF found them guilty of attempting to run a parallel federation, stealing PHF records and using funds from PHF accounts without authorization,” Bagti said. A power struggle has been going on between the two groups to control the PHF since Brigadier General Sajjad Khokhar was forced to resign as PHF chief last year after being in power for more than two terms.
One group was led by Bugti, an influential politician from Balochistan province, and the other group was led by Sara Reza, an influential politician from Karachi province.
Haider Ali, who served as general secretary alongside Khokal, has joined PHF, headed by Shera Reza, as secretary.
Subsequently, the Pakistan Sports Commission and the FIH announced that the PHF, which is chaired by Bugti and former Olympian Rana Mujahid, was appointed after Shehla Reza withdrew from the presidency and the conflict at the behest of party leaders. announced that it would be approved.
“These groups disrupted PHF’s operations, attempted to steal important documents, and illegally blocked bank accounts that collect rent from Pakistan Hockey Club’s stores, offices, and warehouses in Karachi.” Bugti said.
As a result, he said, PHF has issued permanent bans to all former players who are no longer able to be involved in the sport in any capacity.
Of the five suspended, Khalid Bashir and Nasir Ali were prominent defenders who won medals at the Olympics, while Saleem Nazim was also a high-profile midfielder.
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