ISLAMABAD - Pakistan hockey players were finally given long overdue good news as Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has released Rs 16 million they owe to green shirts for winning silver medal in Asian Games.
PSB Director General Technical and Training Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera while talking exclusively with The Nation on Saturday confirmed that PSB had released Rs 16 million cheque and now they were waiting for clearance from AGPR and the money would soon be delivered to 16 players. When asked about coaching staff as they were ignored for cash incentives, Ganjera said PSB policy didn’t allow to offer incentives to coaches but he promised to do his best to ensure coaches also got some respectable cash rewards. He said for the time being they had released Asian Games incentive and each player would receive Rs 1 million and they were also trying to clear Champions Trophy incentive as soon as possible.
When asked about how many days it would take AGPR to clear the cheque, Ganjera said the cheque would be cleared in two or three days and the amount would be handed over to players very soon. “Players are doing a wonderful job; they are playing for the nation. It is our national responsibility to facilitate them as much as possible. IPC Minister Mian Riaz and secretary Ejaz Chaudhry had given directives for urgent release of incentives and we dully follow the orders. Next incentive would also be clear as soon as we get annual grant,” Ganjera concluded.
Meanwhile Pakistan head coach Shahnaz Sheikh also confirmed Dr Ganjera called him on Saturday and informed the amount was released. “It would certainly boost the morale of the players and have deep physiological impact and would help a great deal. The players would now play with more zeal as their minds are now relaxed. I want to thank IPC Minister Mian Riaz, secretary IPC Ejaz Chaudhry and DG PSB Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera for releasing the Asian Games cash incentive.”
I feel coaches efforts would also be recognized and cash incentives would also be given to all the coaches and team management and I also expect Champions Trophy cash incentive would also be released soon,” Shahnaz concluded.