'Pakistan hockey needs funds, continuous action to improve'.

LAHORE -- Pakistan's bronze medal finish at the recently concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia has pleased captain Umer Bhutta, but he wants the government to do more to help the national hockey side get better.

Umer said it was encouraging for this team to win the medal, but believed the only way Pakistan could improve their ranking was through playing the top tournaments in the world in continuity and that it would only be possible through 'extraordinary' funding.

'We learnt a lot from the tournament in Malaysia and the boys showed a spark and the victory boosted the morale of the boys but to keep it up the team needs continuity to play international hockey,' Umer told Dawn on Saturday.

'I urge Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to provide extraordinary funding for the national hockey team as it is our national sport.'

Umer said it was crucial for Pakistan to...