The Government College University Lahore Wednesday hosted a friendly handball match between the GCU and Afghanistan teams at the university’s historical Oval ground under the patronage of the Pakistan Handball Federation.
The team Afghanistan won the match with a meager margin of just one goal. The score at the final whistle remained 29-28 in favor of Afghanistan. GCU Vice Chancellor Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq (SI) graced the match as the chief guest. Tajikistan handball team was also present at the match along with the team officials.
Captain Afghanistan handball team Jawid Khawar led from the front and guided his team to the victory stand. GCU players on the other hand, gave tough time to their opponents and no team was able to take decisive lead till the end of the match. It was till the last minute when Alam Nawrozy from Afghanistan struck the decisive goal in the death moments of the match.
Addressing the prize distribution, GCU VC Prof. Ikram ul Haq said that sportsmen are the true diplomats of their country and such friendly matches are important to promote peace and harmony in the country. “Sports always create bridges between two countries,” he added. Talking to GCU students, the vice chancellor said that sportsmanship and fair play are important, not winning.
GCU Director Sports Khadim Ali Khan said from Afghanistan, Jawaid Khawar, Mirwais and Masoud Khawar competed well and both teams strived hard to find victory in a thrilling match. He said from GCU Lahore Aurangzeb, Raza, Ijaz, Zahid and Umer Hayat showed some wonderful skills and kept the opponents’ goal into attack with their strength and commendable team formation.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary Pakistan Handball Federation Haji M. Shafique hoped that friendly matches like this will be played regularly to promote the friendship and sports culture amongst the youth of the countries.
Talking to media, Tajikistan coach Mrs. Suraya Imamnazarova said, “Sports means friendship and these promotes the environment of friendship across borders amongst our youth. We now would also like to invite teams from Pakistan and GCU to Tajikistan so more games like such would be played in the days to come,” she said.
Afghanistan captain Jawid Khawar said matches against Pakistani teams were always difficult to win as they are highly professional and competent. “In Afghanistan we don’t have much sports activity therefore we are always excited to come here and play against tough teams and this tradition should be kept in the days to come”. Later, GCU Vice Chancellor gave away shields and souvenirs to the team players and officials.
