From the very inception of Pakistan, our armed forces have stood tall not only in safeguarding the frontiers but also in nurturing the country’s sporting spirit. Among them, the Pakistan Navy has consistently played an instrumental role in promoting and sustaining national sports. Whether in Inter-Services competitions or on the national stage, Navy athletes have left their mark across disciplines, carrying forward the proud tradition of service through sports.
Like the former Naval Chiefs, the present Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, is also keeping the Navy’s tradition of patronising and promoting sports within the Navy as well as at the national level alive.
In recent days, the Pakistan Navy has once again reaffirmed its commitment by hosting the 4th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) All-Pakistan Hockey Tournament at Lahore’s historic National Hockey Stadium. This initiative is far more than a competition; it is a conscious effort to breathe new life into hockey, Pakistan’s national game, once revered globally and now in desperate need of revival.
The timing of this tournament could not be more significant. With Pakistan preparing to return to the global hockey circuit through the upcoming FIH Pro League, the CNS hockey tournament offers both exposure and encouragement to domestic talent. It signals to young players that the country’s institutions have not abandoned hockey but rather remain invested in its resurrection.
The Pakistan Navy’s outreach has been comprehensive. A gathering at the Pakistan Navy Central Mess honoured stalwarts of the past — icons like Akhtar Rasool, Shehbaz Senior, Tahir Zaman, and other hockey greats — inviting their insights for steering hockey forward.
Commander Central Punjab of Pakistan Navy, Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie, eloquently highlighted the Navy’s efforts in promoting sports and underscored the institution’s vision of creating opportunities for both officers and sailors to excel athletically at national and international levels. He reminded us that the Pakistan Navy has produced sportsmen of international repute, with cricket star Fakhar Zaman standing as a shining example.
In hockey, he acknowledged, the glory days were built on grassroots strength — something now missing — and urged collective action to rebuild that foundation.
Since its inception in 2016, the CNS Tournament has become a symbol of unity and revival. The third edition, held in Karachi in 2021, was widely acclaimed, and the current tournament in Lahore is no less grand. Eight elite teams, including Pakistan Army, Air Force, National Bank, Port Qasim, Police, Rangers, Mari Petroleum, and Pakistan Navy, are battling for top honours. This provides a high-quality platform for players to showcase their skills before large and enthusiastic crowds.
The Pakistan Navy has ensured that excellence is rewarded. Beyond the glittering trophy, cash awards await the top three teams, while special honours will go to the best player, leading goal-scorer, and best goalkeeper. Such incentives not only inspire athletes but also underline the Navy’s seriousness in nurturing a competitive spirit.
The Pakistan Navy’s contributions are not confined to hockey. Their Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in Karachi, inaugurated in 1991, remains a premier facility, carrying forward the unmatched legacy of Pakistan’s squash dominance. The complex, equipped with championship courts, gymnasiums, and training facilities, has hosted numerous international events and continues to attract rising talent.
From sailing to shooting, golf to cricket, the Pakistan Navy has consistently provided platforms for athletes to shine. This multidimensional contribution reflects a holistic approach: promoting physical well-being, nurturing national pride, and ensuring that Pakistan’s name resonates in global sporting circles.
At a time when hockey is fighting for survival in Pakistan, the Navy’s patronage is both timely and invaluable. By keeping the flame alive, they remind us that revival is possible, but only with collective resolve.
As the CNS Hockey Tournament unfolds in Lahore, one hopes its echoes inspire policymakers, federations, and sponsors to match the Navy’s commitment and rekindle Pakistan’s lost glory on the world stage.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346822-pakistan-navy-continues-to-play-its-role-in-promotion-of-national-sports