WSH delay a ‘boon’ for Pakistan players

Firoz Mirza, Hindustan Times

Deferment of World Series Hockey (WSH) might have ruined plans of Pakistan players of wooing India’s people with their artistic hockey but the change in schedule has certainly given these players a reason to explore the country by visiting places and meeting their relatives. And the players have wasted no time in rescheduling their itinerary and have already chalked out a plan to visit world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra and meet their near and dear ones.

“Taj Mahal has always fascinated me but I could never visit the place despite being in the country on many occasions. This time, I will make sure that we visit the place before returning to Pakistan,” said Adnan Maqsood, who will play for Karnataka Lions in the multi-million dollar league.

“We have spoken to Nimbus Sport (tournament organisers) and expressed our wish of visiting Taj Mahal. We hope, we will get necessary permission in Delhi after completion of camp here in Bangalore on December 21,” said Maqsood.

Zeeshan Ashraf, another Pakistan player playing for Karnataka Lions, will also accompany Adnan to the Taj Mahal, even though he had already witnessed the beauty of the historical monument during one of his earlier visits.

Zeeshan also plans to meet his sister-in-law in Delhi. “I am looking forward to meet her in Delhi. I met her during the hockey World Cup last year. I wish I could meet other relatives including those from Lucknow and Fatehpur but that seems impossible this time,” he added.

Meanwhile, the duo has already embarked on their expedition to explore Bangalore. “The country looks familiar in every aspect and we really have no hesitation in venturing out and meeting people,” they said.