ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced cash prize of Rs500,000 for each member of the hockey team for winning a gold medal in the 12th South Asian Games.

Pakistan beat India 1-0 in the final of the South Asian Games to complete the hat-trick of winning the same title.

“We are very happy to know that the prime minister has announced Rs500,000 for each player for the team’s victory in the South Asian Games,” Pakistan Hockey Federation president retired Brigadier Khalid Khokar told Dawn.

A statement issued by the PHF stated that the prime minister’s gesture speaks volumes about his love and passion for the game of hockey.

Meanwhile, trials to select players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fata, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK will be held at the Lala Ayub Stadium, Peshawar on Feb 20.

The best possible squad will be selected at the end of the trials to form a formidable Pakistan senior team which will take part in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup scheduled to be held from April 7 to 17 in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2016