‘A platform for Indo-Pak friendship’

Hockey players from Pakistan, who arrived in the country on Wednesday for the WSH, said they were thrilled to be a part of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Former Pakistan skipper Zeeshan Ashraf and midfielder Adnan Maqsood of Karnataka Lions crossed over from the Wagah border, while star forward Rehan Butt, striker Shakeel Abbassi and Waseem Ahmed flew into Delhi from Lahore earlier on Wednesday.

“Bridgestone WSH is the first of its kind league to be held in the history of hockey and we are thrilled to be participating in the tournament,” said Zeeshan Ashraf.
“It’s fantastic that hockey can provide a great platform for forging friendship between India and Pakistan. I hope our cricketers will also get to play together in the IPL. ‘Yeh silsila chalta rahna chahiye’ (This association should continue),” he added.

Another player Adnam Maqsood added that WSH would help in the growth of the Pakistani players.

“WSH will help Pakistani players since all the top players are playing here. I’m confident about giving my best to my team, Karnataka Lions, and it will be fantastic to play with the legendary Dhanraj bhai,” Adnam said referring to former India captain Dhanraj Pillay.

Pune skipper Diwakar injured

Pune Strykers suffered a major blow when they lost the services of their captain and ace drag-flicker Diwakar Ram to an injury.

Diwakar, who was part of the India World Cup squad last year, has suffered a wrist fracture and has been ruled out for at least three weeks. He has been replaced by Simrandeep Singh.