Pak hockey team arrives
G.S.Paul
Tribune News Service
Heading as “Ambassadors of Peace”, the 18-member Pakistan hockey squad alongwith officials of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) entered this side of border through Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post, at about 9.30 am today.
Under tight security cover, the Pakistan delegation, boarding Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation’s Lahore-Delhi-Lahore bus, was enroute to New Delhi, to be part of 12th World Cup Hockey tournament commencing February 28 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
As expected, the Pakistan hockey squad refrained from speaking to the media and whisked away. On team’s behalf, it was Asif Bajwa, the team manager and general secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, who spoke.
“We are here as ambassadors of peace and urge to ease the diplomatic tensions between the neighbours. We also expect that India would reciprocate the same way”, he said.
It is evident to mention that intelligence wing of Pakistan had communicated PHF that there has been “genuine” threat to hockey players’ safety in India and PHF should not sit relaxed. “When Pakistan plays India it always sparks interest and I hope would give a kick start to the event and revival of game’s lost glory”, he said.
Reacting to this, Asif told that they have been convinced after double assurance of their security from both Delhi police and the Indian Hockey Federation. “The political riots have been prevailant on both sides of border and should not be clubbed with sports, atleast”, he retorted.
Apparently, pointing towards discarding the Pakistan cricket players’ in the recent IPL auction, Asif advocated that sports should be kept aside from the political frictions.
“It has been unfortunate that the Indo-Pak sporting ties have constantly been damaging and the need of the hour is to develop bilateral approach, even if it is through sports. It has equally been unfortunate that this part of sub-continent enjoys immense sports culture but due to political friction, the sports lovers have been deprived of watching good sports”, said Asif.
An 18-man squad led by full-back Zeeshan Ashraf will play arch-rivals and hosts India on Sunday in the opening game. Pakistan, boasting of possessing a record four world titles, have faded badly in the last decade. Their last major title was in 1994 at the Australia World Cup and they finished eighth at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, their worst-ever placing. “We have been extensively prepared to mend the past dents. It would be our striking comeback through this tournament and we hope to bring home the coveted cup”, he said.