World Cup-Winning Captain Shahbaz Ahmed Appointed Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary

Pakistan's former hockey World Cup-winning captain Shahbaz Ahmed has been appointed as the new secretary-general of the Pakistan Hockey Federation. (Click here for latest Hockey stories)

The legendary Shahbaz, who has largely stayed away from Pakistan hockey affairs since his retirement, was introduced as the new PHF secretary at a press conference in Islamabad by President Brigadier (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokar and federal sports secretary Ejaz Chaudhary.

Outgoing secretary Rana Mujahid was also present at the conference. Mujahid secretary since December 2013 resigned after a meeting with the new PHF President before the conference.

"It is a challenge for me to accept this post and my only aim is to see the revival of Pakistan hockey," said the 1994 World Cup-winning skipper.

The new PHF secretary will unveil his plans at a media conference in Lahore.

Ejaz Chaudhary said that Rana had been given a three year extension by the PHF congress last week but he had decided to step down as he wanted Khokar to work with a new team.

Khokar was elected as PHF President last week after Akhtar Rasool had stepped down after a fact finding commission of the government recommended changes in the federation to stop the rot in Pakistan hockey.

Besides Akhtar Rasool the chief coach of the national team, Shahnaz Sheikh has also resigned after the national team failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics from the World hockey league held in Belgium in June.

Khokar also announced that former Olympian and World Cup winning coach Abdul Rasheed jr will be the new chief selector.

Shahbaz said he would focus on improving the domestic structure while raising funds and making the marketing department viable would be handled by the President.

Shahbaz, one of Pakistan's hockey greats, captained the national team which won the Champions Trophy and World Cup in 1994 and also the Asian Games in 1990.