Pakistan Observer: Dated 9th October, 2009

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has lauded National Database and Registration Authority’s role in starting a new era in sports activities in country by verifying the age of less than fewer than 18 hockey players participated in National junior hockey Championship in Karachi. It was stated in a press release issued here on Thursday.



PHF, in a letter to NADRA, said that due to personal interest of Chairman NADRA Ali Arshad Hakeem, NADRA provided dedicated services in screening out over-aged team player.



State of the art technology was deployed in the specially designed “Mobile Registration Vehicle” incorporating biometrics.This will go a long way in reviving the glorious past of Pakistan hockey.



Chairman NADRA Ali Arshad Hakeem said that there has always suspicion over age of some players participating in such tournaments at regional and national level. Verification of the player’s ages from national database would make the player selection transparent for such tournaments.



NADRA was also the main sponsor of this tournament while authority has been actively promoting sports and healthy activities across the country to encourage the players. 10 teams from Karachi participated in the tournament at Pakistan Hockey stadium Karachi.After the verification of 210 players, 15 players had been rejected from the tournament. The verification was completed before the start of the tournament.