The Resurrection of Pakistan’s Field Hockey: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The current study aimed at providing a strategic plan for the restoration of Field Hockey in Pakistan. A qualitative approach, employing in-depth individual interviews, was used to explore the strategies that can supplement in the resurrection of Field Hockey in Pakistan. Method: Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted which includes field hockey veterans (n=6), sport sciences research (n=3) and sports analysts/ reporters (n=3). Participants were considered to have significant knowledge and experience to share that might be used to improve the standards of field hockey in Pakistan and they were willing to describe in detail the insights of their strategic plans. Deductive and inductive analyses were conducted to capture the core themes. Results: Possible strategies were explored in six
different categories: Administration & Management, Talent Hunting & enhancement of talented pool, Coaches / Umpires / Technical Officials (TOs) / Players Education, Sports Sciences & Research Wing, National Coaching / Training method policy and Media & Marketing Wing. Conclusions: It may be difficult to understand these strategies outside the paradigm of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) but these strategies may help in building the primary strategic plan for better performance in all the six categories of PHF that are explored in this research. In addition, author highly appreciates how people shared their life experiences and detailed strategic plans and interventions that could also facilitate future research in related area.