Hockey Legends Unite Against PHF Corruption: Rasheedul Hassan Leads Rebellion on Historic Gold Medal Anniversary
by: Ijaz Ahmed
TORONTO: Pakistani hockey icon and 1984 
Olympic gold medalist Rasheedul Hassan will address the nation in a decisive press conference on August 11, 2025, aiming to rescue the nation’s lost glory in hockey. The event will be held in his hometown of Gojra, renowned for producing hockey stars, coinciding with the anniversary of Pakistan’s last Olympic hockey gold medal won in Los Angeles in 1984 – a triumph Hassan himself was instrumental in achieving.
“Things are almost done; all arrangements have been made for the press conference,” the soft-spoken legend confirmed to this reporter by phone. “The aim is to rescue Pakistan hockey’s glorious past, thanks to many legendary hockey stars who have joined hands and extended their support to me.”
This date holds deep personal significance for Hassan. Now, on the same day he once celebrated Olympic victory, he has taken a momentous decision: to raise the flag of rebellion against the elements he holds responsible for destroying Pakistan hockey – specifically targeting the “hockey mafia” he accuses of profiteering rather than promoting the sport and its players nationwide.
“This press conference is not just a protest,” Hassan declared, “it is the beginning of a new movement to revive Pakistan hockey.” His voice, rising from Gojra, will represent the collective will of numerous hockey legends who have pledged their support.
Condemning the “Gold Mine” of Corruption
The article pulls no punches in condemning the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). It labels the PHF a “gold mine for corrupt elements,” asserting that “anyone can become a millionaire in just one year.” Figures like Asif Bajwa, Shahbaz Senior, and Rana Mujahid are cited as examples, accused of awaiting third terms despite past corruption allegations.
The stark contrast is drawn between Pakistan’s former dominance – boasting three Olympic golds, four World Cup titles, and the unique distinction of winning all major hockey trophies – and its current dismal 17th world ranking. “Today Pakistan has reached the seventeenth position,” the report states, “but the properties, cars, and bank balances of all these gentlemen have gone into millions and millions.” Current PHF President Tariq Bugti is also criticized, accused of similarly enriching himself under the guise of “reviving hockey,” a situation described as a “joke” and the final catalyst for the legends’ intervention.
“The real revival is only happening in accounts — hockey’s funeral is long overdue!” the report laments. It employs the proverb “A blind man’s hand is like a quail” to depict the PHF leadership: “No ability, no vision, no service record — but still big positions, big tours, and TA/DA worth millions of rupees.” Meanwhile, “players, coaches, and hard-working youngsters are wandering around,” while “incompetent and flattering people” prosper through connections. “This is the ‘quail in the blind hands’ — where neither merit nor character is seen, only relationships, flattery, and politics of interests. Such people are not only destroying hockey, but also selling national prestige.”
Unified Support from the Golden Generation
Hassan’s crusade is not solitary. He has the resounding backing of his fellow 1984 Olympic champions:
Olympian Ayaz Mahmood:
“The entire team… stands by their great colleague and national hero… We are united and fully supporting Rashidul Hasan… His historic press conference… is a declaration of rebellion… and the beginning of a war for the survival of Pakistan hockey… We cannot remain spectators any longer. It is time to tear through the darkness of corruption… The entire 1984 gold medalist team are with Olympian Rasheedul Hassan.”
Hassan Sardar (Former Captain):
“Fully supports his colleague… Today, Pakistan hockey is in decline — and the main reason… is the continuous failed policies, corruption, and poor administrative decisions… The President of the federation and other top officials have completely failed… I demand that the current federation resign immediately… Rasheedul Hasan’s fight is not one man’s — it is the voice of all of us Olympians…”
Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh:
Fully support… his mission to revive Pakistan hockey. This is… the voice of every player, every fan, and every Pakistani… We can no longer remain silent. It is time to bring Pakistan hockey out of the darkness… I stand by him.”
Olympian Syed Moinuddin:
“Announced his full support… termed the press conference a tool to highlight the corruption… ‘This is not the voice of one person, but of the entire nation. Those who destroyed hockey must be held accountable… I stand with Rasheedul Hasan.'”
“The real heroes of the nation have now come to the field,” the report concludes, “and would fight jointly to send back home all the corrupt elements currently associated with hockey in Pakistan.”
The Golden Player: Rasheedul Hassan
Rasheedul Hassan, renowned as “The Golden Player,” boasts an unparalleled record: Olympic Gold (1984), World Cup Gold (1982), Asian Games Gold (1982), Asia Cup Gold (1982 & 1985), and Junior World Cup Gold (1979). He played for PIA (from 1975) and later Customs, retiring in 2019. Deeply committed to grassroots development, he established the Rasheedul Hassan Hockey Academy in Gojra in 2009.
His relationship with the PHF has been fraught. In 2022, the PHF imposed a 10-year ban on Hassan, allegedly for criticizing hockey’s decline on social media, including comments about then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Hassan denied using offensive language, challenged the ban, and demanded an apology, its lifting, and damages. Despite this controversy, he remains a celebrated national hero and legend of Pakistani hockey.
