International sports: Over to hockey now, says Dr Shah

Says international matches being planned for next February.

KARACHI: Sindh Sports Minister Dr Mohammad Ali Shah said his next target is to arrange high-profile hockey action in the country after successfully staging exhibition cricket matches.    

Shah organised the games involving the Sanath Jayasuriya-led International World XI and Pakistan All Stars at the weekend. The back-to-back matches, which were attended by a huge crowd at the National Stadium, Karachi, were held in a befitting manner with visiting players giving a thumbs-up to security arrangements and hospitality.

Shah said he was now looking forward to host similar action on the hockey field.

“We have started a discussion with the Pakistan Hockey Federation in this regard,” said the minister. “The plan is to hold exhibition matches in Karachi and Lahore in February next year. We will make efforts to bring top hockey players including ones from European countries like Germany and Holland.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2012.