Rangers beat Guangdong in hockey

Huge crowd packs Narowal Stadium to witness thrilling clash

Pakistan Rangers scored twice in the second half to beat China’s Guangdong 3-1 in their hockey series match at the Sports City Hockey Stadium in Narowal on Monday.

A huge crowd thronged the stadium to witness the game.

The teams were levelled 1-1 at half-time after a tightly contested opening two quarters, but Pakistan Rangers gave a breakthrough in the 37th minute through Muhammad Sami, who struck a fine goal from short corner.

Guangdong responded three minutes later when Fong Xiang Xuan scored from a penalty corner in the 40th minute to level the match 1-1.

Pakistan Rangers put in their concerted efforts and regained the lead in the 45th minute as Aamir Sohail scored a fine field goal to put his side 2-1 ahead.

Muhammad Hammad then sealed the victory with another field goal in the 55th minute, giving Pakistan Rangers a two-goal cushion in the final quarter.

Photo: PHF

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani also witnessed the match as guests of honour.

Wani, who is also the secretary of the IPC, thanked Ahsan Iqbal and people of Narowal for supporting the successful staging of the showdown.

He said the enthusiastic reception from local hockey fans offered encouragement for the future of the sport in Pakistan. It was the fifth fixture of the series.

Earlier, Mari Energies defeated Guangdong 5-2 and Customs downed them 3-2.

Navy conquered Guangdong 3-1 at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium Islamabad. The visitors defeated Army 4-2 in a shootout in a thrilling encounter.

PHF is making concerted efforts to bring back the lost glory of the country in hockey. Pakistan once ruled the world in the sport but now struggling in international circuit. However recent steps from the PHF have created hope of resurrection of the sport.