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LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday appointed Samiullah Khan, famously known as the “Flying Horse,” as the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s hockey team.
The decision comes on the recommendation of the PHF Professional Development Committee, led by legendary Olympians Hasan Sardar and Islahuddin Siddiqui, two towering figures in Pakistan’s golden era of hockey.
This appointment is not merely administrative, it symbolizes a revival movement aimed at restoring Pakistan’s long-lost dominance in international hockey. For a nation that once ruled the hockey world with artistry, flair, and unmatched skill, the return of icons like Samiullah to leadership roles represents hope, heritage and a determined push toward renewal.
The PHF has unveiled a comprehensive Hockey Roadmap designed to rebuild the sport from the grassroots to the international stage. The strategy focuses on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains.
Key elements of the roadmap include:
Reforming the Team Structure: Establishing a modern Selection Committee, appointing a Head Coach and strengthening support staff to ensure professional management.
Structured competition calendar: Organizing domestic tournaments and ensuring consistent international exposure for players.
Technical development Programmes: Providing education and certification pathways for coaches, umpires, and officials.
Nationwide talent hunt initiatives: Identifying young talent across provinces and nurturing them through systematic development programmes.
Revival of school and college hockey: Reintroducing inter-school and inter-collegiate competitions to rebuild the sport’s grassroots pipeline.
High-Performance Center: Establishing a dedicated facility focused on sports science, fitness, and elite training.
The PHF ad-hoc president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, who has replaced the outgoing chief Tariq Hussain Bugti who resigned a few days ago following Australia’s debacle, expressed firm confidence in the new leadership, stating that with Samiullah guiding selection, Pakistan hockey is poised to reclaim its place among the world’s elite.
Born in Bahawalpur in 1951, Samiullah emerged as one of the fastest and most electrifying right-wingers in hockey history. His explosive pace, dazzling dribbling and relentless attacking style earned him the nickname “Flying Horse”, a tribute to his speed that left defenders chasing shadows.
Samiullah represented Pakistan during an era when the national team dominated world hockey. He was a key member of Pakistan’s gold medal-winning squad at the 1978 Men’s Hockey World Cup where Pakistan defeated the Netherlands in a thrilling final. His performances in major tournaments, including the 1976 Summer Olympics and the 1984 Summer Olympics, showcased his brilliance on the global stage.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Pakistan was a powerhouse in world hockey, winning World Cups, Champions Trophies and Olympic medals. Samiullah’s speed on the wing, combined with the artistry of teammates like Hasan Sardar and Islahuddin Siddiqui, made Pakistan’s attacking play both graceful and devastating.
Beyond medals, Samiullah embodied a style of hockey that emphasized skill, flair and creativity—qualities that defined Pakistan’s golden era.
In recent decades, Pakistan hockey has faced serious challenges: administrative instability, declining grassroots systems, limited international exposure and the global shift from natural grass to synthetic turf. The once-dominant Green-shirts struggled to maintain their competitive edge.
Now, with Samiullah stepping into the role of chief selector, the symbolism is powerful. A hero of Pakistan’s brightest hockey days is now tasked with identifying and nurturing the next generation of stars. His deep understanding of international standards, player temperament and competitive mindset is expected to bring merit, discipline, and vision back into team selection.
