The Dar Hockey Academy on Friday distributed modern hockey equipment received from Holland among the players of the academy here.
Test cricketer Wahab Riaz was the chief guest of the ceremony where the equipment was distributed among the young players at the outer ground of National Hockey Stadium. President Dar Academy, Olympian Tauqir Dar was also present along with coaches of the academy.
A full container of hockey equipment was sent to Dar Academy by Flying Dutch Veteran Hockey team which toured Pakistan last December as a sign of goodwill to further cement sports relations between the two countries. The equipment includes hockey shoes, small goal posts, track-suits, goalkeepers kit, sticks, protective gears and allied stuff being used by players during practice and matches.
“In the first phases we have distributed pairs of shoes and other equipment to the players of the academy and in the second phase we will be distributing it among the deserving players and academies throughout the country,” said Taquir.
He said during their visit to Pakistan the Dutch veteran team promised to send hockey equipment and a desso turf to Dar Academy for the revival of hockey at grass root level.
He said Dar Academy which is striving for the promotion of hockey at grass root level for past many years will provide equipment to clubs and academies which are working at early level for the cause of hockey.
He said a full goalkeepers kit was presented to to veteran Olympians and former Pakistan captain Wasim Ahmed for his academy at Vehari.
He said the Dutch team will also be providing a desso turf which will be laid at the outer ground of national stadium whose plastic surface has worn out.
“We are thankful to the Dutch team for their generous contribution for the further uplift of hockey,” he said.
He said Dar Academy has signed a playing agreement with PHF academy which under both the academies will play two practice matches in a week in order to improve their game .
Showing a good gesture Wahab Riaz also gifted thirty six international standard hockey balls to Dar hockey.
