‘Hosting Champions Trophy a big honour’

LAHORE : Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan is a tremendous honour. The visit of foreign teams will highlight Pakistan’s positive image in the world.

He expressed these views at the reception given in honour of the visiting Dutch and German hockey club teams at the Governor’s House here on Saturday. He said that the holding of the Champions Trophy became possible due to the tireless efforts of the security forces. “We want to see the Pakistani flag flying high once again in the field of hockey”. The governor said that the arrival of foreign hockey teams to Pakistan is proof that Pakistan is a peaceful and safe country. He said that the coming of the Dutch and German hockey teams to Pakistan is a message to the neighbouring countries that they should also send their teams to Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is a peaceful country and the people here are very loving and affectionate. He said that Pakistan hockey team has hoisted the national flag many times in the past. He expressed the hope that Pakistan hockey team will soon be able to regain their lost glory in the game of hockey. The governor said that by promoting sports, we can empower the young generation to rise above the politics of chaos, fostering a culture of discipline, teamwork, and healthy competition that will benefit them throughout their lives. He said that there is a need to attract the young generation towards the national game of hockey.

The governor said that the arrival of foreign hockey players from Germany and Netherlands to Pakistan is certainly a reflection of the satisfactory security and peace in the country. He said that the visit of foreign teams will highlight the positive image of Pakistan. The governor further said that it is a matter of great pride for us that a Pakistani - Farid Ahmed is coaching the Dutch team. He appreciated the efforts of Olympian Khawaja Junaid, European Hockey Coordinator Pervaiz Sandela, Director Sports Higher Education Javed Memon and Junaid Chattha for inviting the Dutch and German hockey teams to Pakistan.