KARACHI: Hat-trick by former international right winger Mohammad Ali guided AO Hockey Club to an incredible 5-1 victory over Olympian Iftikhar Syed Sports Academy (OISSA) and reach the final of the late Olympian Munawwar-uz-Zaman Veteran’s Hockey League at the latter’s ground on Thursday evening.

Ali slammed thrice in the sixth, 11th and 22nd minutes while former Olympian centre forward Anees Ahmed and outside left Naeem Ahmed added one goal apiece to complete the rout.

Former noted Olympian inside left and chief coach of the national hockey team Hanif Khan had a hand in team’s four of the five goals.

Spearhead Shahdab scored the consolation goal for the losers through penalty corner.

In another semi-final, Pak Veterans Hockey Club defeated Al Faisal Hockey Club by odd goal in three (2-1).

Spearhead Arif Bhopali and former Olympian right winger Qamar Ibrahim netted one goal apiece in the 17th and 19th minutes respectively.

Centre forward Nazakat reduced the deficit for the losers in the 28th minute.

Neice of the Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, Mona Abbas Sharif and his husband Mir Asim Khan graced the semi-final between the AO Club and OISSA.

Former Olympian Hanif Khan presented a hockey stick to the guests on behalf of the KHA.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2017