LAHORE: Afzal Manna-IX defeated Saeed Anwar-IX by three goals to one in the 9-a-Side Shezan Hockey Gold Cup final here at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Zeeshan Bukhari, Faraz and Wasim Akram shared the scoring honours for Afzal Manna-IX while the lone goal from the losing side was netted by Hammad Anjum.

Interestingly, the third-position match was played between the teams named after two real brothers — Munir Dar and Tanvir Dar — the finest penalty corner experts of their eras.

Tanvir Dar IX edged out Munir Dar IX 3-2. Brig M.H. Atif IX secured fifth place beating Chaudhry Ghulam Rasool IX 4-3.

Zeeshan Bukhari of Afzal Manna-IX was declared the best player of the tournament. Muneen, also of the same side, was named the best goalkeeper.

Pakistan’s former cricket captain Aamir Sohail, who was the chief guest, distributed the prizes.

Later talking to media, Aamir appreciated the hosts for remembering the great Olympians in that style.

Meanwhile, Aamir also welcomed PCB’s decision of appointing former Test speedster Shoaib Akhtar as its brand ambassador and adviser to the Board chairman.

To a query, Aamir said the PCB had no document to fight its case against India before the ICC over the resumption of bilateral series between the two countries.

“[Rather] it is better to continue negotiations with other cricket boards to maintain good relations with them [for having series against them],” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2018