The hockey world has watched with concern as the floods in Pakistan during the holy month of Ramadan have left hundreds of thousands homeless. It couldn’t have come at a worse time, especially with security concerns also resulting in Pakistan’s brilliant hockey team virtually unable to play international matches at home.
By Steve Jaspan
With the Commonwealth Games just over a month away in the Indian capital of New Delhi we all hope the Games go smoothly and the Asian teams, already disrupted by all these upheavals, win medals. How wonderful it would be for the Pakistani and Indian teams to shock some of the pretournament favourites.
However, with Australia, England and New Zealand playing hockey of the highest quality it will be tough. But let us not forget the Indian Women’s Team’s magnificent achievement in Manchester – 8 years ago.
O how the FIH and the world of hockey needs a strong Asian hockey showing. We all marvel that Asian hockey has faced enormous adversity yet still continues to produce remarkable teams and players. During these difficult times I hope the World of Hockey bands together to send relief and funds to Pakistan to help some of the victims of the floods.
Hockey is a sport with a kind heart and the most wonderful generous people and the time is ripe for a Hockey for Hope charity or Trust to be formalized to help nations affected by disaster. Maybe each FIH Member National Association should host a charity event.
As Muslims round the world wait for the new moon and to celebrate Eid one can only hope that international efforts help to reduce the suffering of the homeless. In the meantime Eid Mubarak.
Steve Jaspan is FIH Executive Board member and chairman of the FIH High Performance Committee.
