The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has been excluded from the Azlan Shah Cup due to alleged debts owed to the Malaysian Hockey Federation. PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid has denied these claims, encouraging skepticism towards rumors. Pakistan had previously reached the finals in 2024 but will not be competing in the 2025 tournament attended by several other nations.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has faced setback as they have not been invited to participate in the Azlan Shah Cup, an esteemed hockey tournament slated to be held in Malaysia in November 2025. This exclusion has been attributed to an alleged ‘outstanding debt’ owed to the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) due to poor decisions made by a previous official of the PHF.
According to a source within the PHF, the decision made by one of its members during the last Azlan Shah Cup led to a debt situation, which in turn influenced the MHF’s decision to not extend an invitation to Pakistan. The source remarked, “A former official of the PHF made some bad decisions during the last Azlan Shah Cup, which left the PHF in debt to the MHF.”
Despite these claims, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid has dismissed the notion of any outstanding debts, emphasizing that individuals should refrain from believing unfounded rumors. He asserted that the Malaysian Hockey Federation has not communicated any issues regarding such debts directly to the PHF.
In the previous edition of the Azlan Shah Cup in 2024, Pakistan showcased commendable skill, securing three victories and two draws that allowed them to reach the finals, where they ultimately lost to Japan. This added disappointment stems from their notable performance, as nations such as Belgium, India, Germany, Malaysia, Ireland, and Canada are set to participate in this year’s tournament.
In conclusion, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has faced disappointment regarding their exclusion from the upcoming Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia due to alleged outstanding debts. While a PHF source attributes this to poor decisions by a former official, Secretary Rana Mujahid has contested these claims, urging the public to disregard rumors. Following a strong performance in the previous tournament, the PHF’s absence will be felt in the competitive landscape of international hockey.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
