KARACHI: The victorious Pakistan hockey team, which won the Olympic gold medal at Mexico City last month, returned home in the early hours this morning and was given a roaring welcome at the Karachi Airport [Nov 12].

The team will stay in Karachi for a day to attend a civic reception. Afterwards the team will embark on a country-wide tour which will take them to important hockey playing cities of West and East Pakistan.

With the Olympic gold medal in its bag, the national hockey team made a short tour of the United States, Canada, England and Europe. In America the team was received by the United Nations Secretary General Mr U Thant, who described them as the greatest ambassadors of peace. In Mexico, the Pakistan team played nine matches in 13 days and maintained an unbeaten record. They won the final by beating Australia by the odd-goal in three.

In a cable sent to skipper Tariq Azizi President Ayub Khan said “I heartily congratulate you and all members of your team on your grand victory in the Olympic championship. This is a tribute to your team spirit, dedication and skill. Pakistan is proud of your superb performance.”

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2018