The Pakistan hockey team's chances of playing in next year's Olympic Games appeared to have ended after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) did not include it in the pre-qualifying tournament scheduled for next month.
The new secretary-general of Pakistan Hockey Federation, Asif Bajwa, said that the development was a big setback for Pakistan.
"The FIH has taken this decision since we did not send our team for the FIH Pro-Hockey League in February-April," he said.
Bajwa, who has taken over from legendary player Shahbaz Ahmed, said he would write to the FIH to reconsider its decision and make a spot for Pakistan to at least try to qualify for the Olympics.
"I will also be meeting with important government officials soon to discuss the future of hockey in Pakistan and the funding issue."