By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has said hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan is a tremendous honour.
“The visit of foreign teams will highlight Pakistan’s positive image in the world. We want to see the Pakistani flag flying high once again in the field of hockey,” he underscored.
He said the holding of the Champions Trophy became possible due to the tireless efforts of the security forces.
He expressed these views here today at the reception given in honour of the teams and participants of the Dutch and German hockey clubs at the Governor House Lahore.
Khan said 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 neighboring countries that they should also send their teams to Pakistan.
The Governor of Punjab said that Pakistan is a peaceful country and the people here are very loving and affectionate. He said that Pakistan has hoisted the Pakistani flag many times in the hockey field in the past. He said that they will soon be able to regain their lost position in the national game of hockey.
He said 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.
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He said that there is a need to attract the young generation towards the national game of hockey. The Governor of Punjab said that the arrival of foreign players, including hockey players, 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 it was a matter of great pride for us that a Pakistani, Farid Ahmed, is coaching the Dutch team. He appreciated the efforts of the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program for Sports, Olympian Khawaja Junaid, European Hockey Coordinator Pervaiz Sandila, Director Sports Higher Education Javed Memon and Junaid Chatta for inviting the teams to Pakistan.
