The Pakistan hockey team swept the four-match Nadra Friendly Series by winning the last game 2-1 here at the National Hockey Stadium. The team of the country’s ultimate companion China lifted the Friendship trophy on Sunday. The Pakistan Hockey Federation fulfilled its promise in bringing a foreign team to play in Pakistan. The Chinese team’s this gesture not only earned the trophy but they also received the praise of the crowd which came to enjoy the match despite the ‘dharna’ announced by Jamaat-i-Islami at Feroz Pur Road. Amidst the best possible security that could be seen, the match rolled into action about 40 minutes due to technical faults in the live coverage of the proceedings.
A large number of former Olympians and their families, Tauqeer Dar Academy young players, assistant and deputy collector Customs were present on the occasion. Some of the Pakistan Peoples Party workers were also seen waving the party flag in the stadium while Quick Response Force had cordoned off the pitch water tight and Chairman Nadra Arshad Ali Hakeem was the chief guest of the final match. On the occasion, Olympian Qasim Zia President PHF, Olympian Muhammad Asif Bajwa Secretary General PHF, Lt. Gen (R) Arif Hasan President POA, Olympian Akhtar Rasool Chaudhry, Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali, Olympian Arshad Ali Chaudhry, Olympian Khalid Bashir, Mr. Khalid Iqbal Treasurer PHF and officials of DHA Lahore were also present.
The Pakistan team began attacking game right from the word go and in just six minutes into the game Shakeel Abbasi provided lead to pacy Pakistan.
Pakistan with aggressive play earned two penalty corners in the first half while China got one and all the three were hit off target or rather saved by the defence. Pakistan swelled the lead in the 26th minute of the match when Fareed Ahmed in a brilliant move found the proper home for the ball. Pakistan were well in control of the game but by in the 33rd minute, China penetrated through the Pakistan 25 yards circle and got the only goals of the match for his side. This 2-1 scoreline that came in the first half remained intact till the final whistle was blown.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran revealed that the Chinese team gave them tough time not only in the last match but also in the first match. “There should be more matches of the kind and return of international hockey to Pakistan is a first step forward,” he added. Sung Ye, Chinese team captain, said that his team visited three cities of Pakistan and it was really delightful to be there and it was heartening to see the love of the people of Pakistan. “We have learnt a lot from our visit here and must thank the Pakistan people and the hockey federation for the love they extended to us,” he added.
Qasim grateful to China: Pakistan Hockey Federation President Qasim Zia on Sunday thanked the visiting Chinese team for playing the hockey series in Pakistan in tough times.
Speaking on the occasion, Qasim also hoped that it was the first drop of the rain. “Now is the time for other foreign teams to tour Pakistan,” he said. He also praised the Pakistan government for their assistance in the holding of the series in a successful manner. PHS secretary Asif Bajwa said that the visit of the Chinese team to Pakistan is a clear massage to the world that Pakistan is a secure place for sports. Later, Arshad Ali Hakeem, Chairman NADRA gifted hockey sticks to the Chinese hockey team. The ‘Friendship Trophy’ was handed over to the captains of Chinese and Pakistan hockey teams.
