There is much ambiguity about the Pakistan national Hockey team’s participation in the upcoming FIH men’s hockey world cup in Bhubaneswar, following awaited status of the team’s visa status and economic crisis.
Despite, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has got a bit of luck by having Haier Electronics coming on board as in angel Investor to rescue the team.
Haier Electronics Pakistan who also owns the Pakistan Super League team Peshawar Zalmi, has become the official sponsor of the Pakistan Hockey Team for the upcoming hockey major tournament i.e the world cup.
The sponsorship deal was signed in a ceremony held on Saturday and presided by the chairman of Electronic company, Javed Afridi in Lahore.
The deal will run till 2020, it will also cover Pakistan’s domestic leagues.
“It’s our national game and it must be promoted. Even if the sponsorship does not help anyway, I will not mind; the cause of the national sport must be upheld. I would hope for an India-Pakistan final and I will be travelling to Bhubaneswar for the World Cup. Hockey is rooted in our culture and I felt it was my responsibility to help the side,” Afridi had told Daily Mirror.
The sponsors are optimistic that the tie-up will help Pakistan hockey climb the ranks. “We are recognized throughout the world because of hockey. In the past, Pakistan has won four World Cups, three Champions Trophy and three Olympic gold medals,” Afridi said.
There is an apparent reason for the economic crisis of Pakistan Hockey Federation, is that amid much terror attack threats a lot many countries barred visiting Pakistan which subsequently forced them to send their team to the foreign lands organizing their own home tournaments.
Now, with the coming up of Sponsorship deal, Haier Electronics will fund all foreign trips of the Pakistan hockey team.
Pakistan is scheduled to play their opening World Cup match against Germany on 1st of December. The Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar will start on November 28th.
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