CM presents awards to Hall of Fame inductees

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Thursday that the provincial government would provide full administrative, financial and security support to the PHF for the Pakistan Hockey League (PHL).

Speaking at the Hall of Fame awards ceremony at a local hotel, he appreciated the efforts made by PHF for the revival of hockey. “The visit of the World XI is the first step towards regaining our lost status in the world of hockey,” he added.

The CM advised Pakistan players to make the most of the opportunities and make Pakistan rise in international rankings.The CM handed over shields and maroon blazers to all those inducted into the Hall of Fame: Paul Litjens, Jan Bovelander and Rob Lathouwer of Holland, Christian Blunck of Germany, John Escaray of Spain, Don Prior of Australia, Islahuddin, Hasan Sardar, Samiullah, Shahnaz Sheikh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akhtar Rasool of Pakistan. All of them have been given Rs500,000 each.

PHF president Khalid Khokhar said on the occasion Pakistan’s lost glory would be regained very soon. He said the visit of the World XI was the beginning of a new era. “Soon our hockey stadiums will be full of spectators. The benefit of this visit of the World XI will be seen in PHL,” he added. “Foreign players will come here with a sense of security to take part in our league,” he added. “Pakistan produced players who created magic and poetry with their hockey sticks,” he said.