KARACHI: Former noted Olympian Islahuddin Siddi­qui has offered member cou­n­tries of the International Master’s Hockey Association (IMHA) to visit Pakistan for playing a series of matches.

“You have to just bear the air travel expenses while rest assured we’ll provide exem­plary hospitality at home,” the former Pakistan captain said while speaking at the association’s meeting held at Tilburg, Holland, on Aug 14.

“We are a peaceful nation and known for our exploits in the field hockey in yesteryear,” he remarked.

Before proceeding to the Dutch city, the former Olym­pian had got the consent from the PHF president reti­red Brig Khalid Sajjad Kho­khar and the secretary ex-Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed.

“The Europeans have acceded to the request and said they will consider the offer to tour Pakistan sometime next year,” said Islah, who returned from abroad the other day.

The former Olympian, who is continental representative for Asia of the IMHA, said issues pertaining to veteran’s hockey World Cup at Terassa, Spain, next year, were also discussed.

He said the meeting decided to form various committees namely development, competition, finance and equipment among others for the smooth functioning of the events in future.

He disclosed that the venue of the meeting where seven synthetic turfs have been laid was bustling with festivity where 63 teams from Europe and non-Europe were competing in men’s and women over 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 competitions.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2017