TP Report
PESHAWAR: In a significant development for the revival of field hockey in Pakistan, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has promoted Peshawar-based official Hamza Tufail to its prestigious International Technical Officials Panel.
According to an official letter issued by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, the International Technical Committee approved Tufail’s elevation to the global panel in recognition of his outstanding services and professional competence. With this appointment, Hamza Tufail becomes only the third Pakistani in the past decade to be included in the International Technical Panel and the first-ever technical official from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to achieve this distinction. Previously, Hassan Akhtar Rasool (2015) and Ziauddin Burki (2023) were promoted to the panel.
A former hockey player, Hamza began his international technical career at the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in May 2024, where his performance earned widespread appreciation. He was subsequently selected for the Under-18 Asia Cup held in China in July 2025, further strengthening his international credentials. Following consistent high-level performances, FIH formally informed the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Asian Hockey Federation of its decision.
Expressing gratitude, Hamza described the achievement as the result of sustained hard work and termed it a milestone for Pakistan hockey, particularly for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also acknowledged the support of international hockey umpire Faiz Muhammad Faizi, a member of the FIH Umpiring Committee, for his contributions in mentoring emerging Pakistani technical talent.
