KARACHI: The Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) received a big boost when top two executives of one of the leading Chinese firm visited its hockey complex in Gulshan Iqbal on Monday with an intention to work out modalities of promoting the game between the two nations on bilateral basis in future.

Speaking through interpreter after watching an exhibition hockey match between Karachi Blues and Whites, the CEO of Dragon Fight Private Ltd, Ma Chengzhi and director Jianxin Mao expressed optimism that besides other areas of cooperation, sports can play vital role in cementing the existing cordial relations between the two nations.

“We would be glad if a hockey match between the Karachi and Chinese cities hockey teams takes place on this ground in the near future,” they said.

It is pertinent to mention that Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar visited China last month and signed a declaration with his counterpart of Shenyang city on bilateral cooperation. The mayor of Chinese city is expected visit Karachi later this year.

Besides watching the players in action, the visitors also made selphies with local players and officials during their 90-minute stay at the premises.

Accompanied by former celebrated Olympian Samiullah, they looked overwhelmed with the red-carpet reception.

Samiullah, who is advisor to the KHA president, said it’s a beginning and hoped that with the investment in cash and kind and bilateral tours, the game will flourish in the city again.

He expressed dismay on the poor performance of Pakistan Hockey team under the Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans at the Jakarta Asian Games where it ended up fourth.

Welcoming the guests, the KHA president and former caretaker Sindh Sports Minister Dr Syed Junaid Ali Shah, said the visit of Chinese at the complex will go a long way in strengthening the existing relations between the two nations besides promoting the game.

The director general of Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Sami­uddin Siddiqui, who was also present, expressed happiness that Chinese were taking interest to promote sports at this level between the two countries.

He termed the KHA as a role model for sports in the country.

At the outset, Karachi Blues carved out 2-1 victory over Karachi Orange in the exhibition match.

The guests later presented trophies to the winning captain Asim Khan and runner-up trophy to Azlan Khan. National anthem of China and Pakistan were also played.

Earlier upon arrival, the guests were introduced to the two teams and the venue was decorated with flags of the two countries.

The ceremony was largely attended.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2018