KARACHI: The visiting World XI taught Pakistan under-18 a lesson when it subdued the home team 5-1 to go 1-0 up in the two-match series at the Abdul Sattar Hockey Stadium on Friday evening.

The series has been marked as a key step towards the revival of international hockey in Pakistan. The home team had a wonderful start when Adeel Latif put Pakistan in front in the fifth minute of play and maintained the lead till half time.

However, the World XI, which comprised players of different countries, bounced back in the last two quarters, slamming five goals in a span of 15 minutes.

Dutch player Roderick Weusthof drew level by converting his team’s second penalty corner in the 33rd minute. Three minutes later he surged visitors ahead by converting yet another penalty corner.

Australian Grant Schubert delighted the spectators by scoring a spectacular field goal in the 41st minute to seize 3-1 lead.

PhilipMeulenbroek, who also hails from Netherlands, netted a field goal in the 45th minute to give his team a 4-1 lead while Spanish David Alegre completed the tally in the 48th minute.

The scene now shifts to Lahore where the second match will be played on Sunday.

At the outset, the two teams were introduced to the chief guests, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The Pakistan Hockey Federation president, retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar was also present.

After arrival at the venue, the foreign players particularly those who have been inducted into Pakistan’s first-ever Hall of Fame, mingled with the spectators who made selfies with them.

Speaking on the occasion, the interior minister said the government with the help of security agencies have defeated terrorism that has paved the way of return of international sports in the country.

Ahsan said government will support all national federations for arranging international matches in the country and will support the PHF in launching the Pakistan Super Hockey League.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2018