KARACHI, July 8: Chinese hockey squad was accorded a warm welcome at Quaid- e- Azam International Airport when it flew into the city on an eight-day training tour to Pakistan.

Full-back Lu Peng is leading the 21-member squad. Team also included seven officials.

Keeping in view Pak-China friendship, a warm welcome was accorded to the squad and each member of the team was profusely garlanded.

Speaking through an interpreter, team leader Song Yonggjia thanked Pakistan and PHF for arranging their team’s visit despite own hectic international engagements of their senior and junior teams.

He said the basic purpose for the trip to Pakistan was to raise a strong team for various international competitions with an eye on 2008 Beijing Olympics.

He said Pakistan and China enjoy friendly relations and visit of their hockey team will further consolidate their sporting relations.—APP