German, Dutch Clubs arrive for International Clubs Hockey Series

LAHORE: Top hockey clubs from Germany and the Netherlands have arrived in Lahore to participate in the International Clubs Hockey Series. The opening match is scheduled for tomorrow between Germany’s Wissen Dan club and the Netherlands’ HGC.

Both teams held extensive practice sessions at the National Hockey Stadium, one of the world’s largest hockey arenas. Young international players also took time to capture the moment with selfies at the iconic venue.

Wissen Dan Hockey Club Head Coach and Manager, Olympian Stephen Blocher, expressed his delight upon arriving in Pakistan, saying, “It always feels great to be in Pakistan. I have countless memories at this stadium.” He emphasised that Wissen Dan is a top club in Germany and that they have come to Pakistan well-prepared, aiming to win the trophy by delivering their best performance against the Dutch club and other participating teams.

HGC Hockey Club’s Pakistani coach, Farid, expressed satisfaction with his club’s preparations and appealed to the public to come to the stadium to watch the matches against the German team.

He assured that spectators would witness top-tier hockey skills from both nations. The German and Dutch teams were warmly welcomed at the airport upon their arrival in Lahore at the invitation of the Prime Minister Youth Program. The Dutch team consists of 22 members, while the German contingent comprises 32 members.

The German and Dutch teams will compete against teams from the Prime Minister Youth Program and the Punjab Police PHF Development Squad. Matches will be held in Lahore on February 12th and 14th, followed by matches in Islamabad on February 16th.

The Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony on February 12th. The inaugural match is scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM.