Surjit Singh tournament: Pakistan fielding two teams for India event

The men and women’s hockey squads have received their visas

KARACHI: Two teams from Pakistan are set to participate in the 31st Surjit Singh Hockey Tournament starting October 29 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Polytan Turf in Burlton Park, Jalandhar, India.

Punjab XI from Lahore and the Rest of Pakistan Women will compete in the men’s and women’s events respectively. The former will be pitted against 11 Indian clubs, while the women’s competition will see Pakistan compete against four Indian clubs.

The final squads for both the teams were announced on Monday after trials were conducted in the presence of the two-member selection committee headed by Anjum Saeed – also the manager of Punjab XI – with member Danish Kaleem, and head coach Tariq Sheikh.

“The teams have been announced and the players received their visas from the Indian Ministry on October 26,” Saeed told The Express Tribune. “The team will leave once the Indian Ministry gives the green light after finalising all the security arrangements.”

The women’s side has been training for the tournament since September 24 and is fully prepared to take on its opponents. “The girls have prepared well for the event and are excited to play against the Indian clubs and win the competition,” said the coach.

According to organisers, Pakistan are deemed the main attraction of the tournament as many take a keen interest in watching arch-rivals compete against each other.

 

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