thefridaynews 
In a landmark move towards the revival of Pakistan’s national sport, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and Vital Group, makers of Vital Soap and Vital Tea, signed a major sponsorship agreement at the Crystal Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on Thursday.Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, was the guest of honour.The agreement was formally signed by Mohiuddin Wani, President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, and Asad Mustafa, Director of Vital Group. Muhammad Sufyan Aslam, Director of Foreman Group, the marketing partner for the collaboration, was also present on the occasion.Addressing the ceremony, PHF President Mohiuddin Wani described the occasion as a historic day for Pakistan hockey, saying the partnership with Vital Group was not merely a sponsorship deal but a significant step towards restoring the prestige of the country’s national sport.“Corporate support will enable us to take Pakistan hockey back to the highest levels of international competition,” he said.Vital Group Director Asad Mustafa said Vital was a homegrown Pakistani brand with a presence in households across the country, adding that hockey remained an integral part of Pakistan’s national identity.“Supporting our national heroes was our responsibility. We are proud to become the title sponsor and assure our long-term commitment to the revival of hockey in Pakistan,” he said.Foreman Group Director Sufyan Aslam said the group was proud to be part of this national cause and would play an active role in making the partnership a success.Chief Guest Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan hockey’s illustrious legacy, noting that the sport had brought the country unparalleled international recognition, including four Hockey World Cup titles and three Olympic gold medals.“Hockey has brought Pakistan immense honour and distinction. Under the Prime Minister’s vision, the government remains committed to promoting sports across the country. This partnership is an exemplary model of collaboration,” he said.Guest of Honour Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said the initiative was fully aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering the country’s youth.He announced that the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, in collaboration with the PHF, would launch a National Hockey Talent Hunt across the country to identify and nurture the next generation of hockey stars.The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of national hockey legends, senior journalists, corporate representatives and young players, reflecting the collective commitment to restoring Pakistan hockey’s former glory.
