Long wait ends as sporting activities return to YMCA ground
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KARACHI: It was an historic day for Karachi’s sportspersons as sporting activities at the iconic YMCA ground were revived after 16 years with an exhibition hockey match organised there on Friday.
The President Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) XI held Commissioner Karachi XI to a 1-1 draw in the 30-minute match, spread over two halves, that formally marked resumption of healthy activities.
Former Olympian goalkeeper and ex-pupil of YMCA, Ahmed Alam, who played as forward, put Commissioner Karachi XI ahead in the first half while Majid levelled for President KHA XI in the second half.
The revival of sports at the YMCA saw the light of day, thanks to Supreme Court, for coming to the rescue of youth of the city by disbanding marriage lawns..
Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani and his team including Deputy Commissioner South Syed Salahuddin Ahmed complied with the apex court’s decision in letter and spirit.
The DC South, who is a former Nedian and ex-hockey player, led the Commissioner Karachi XI.
The commissioner, who graced the occasion, has vowed to revive the sports culture in the city again.
“It’s an honour to implement the apex court verdict by reviving the sports activities at the institution that had produced world class hockey players and athletes in the past,” he told newsmen.
He pointed out that all stadia that have been encroached upon in the city for commercial activities will be restored soon.
Termining it a good omen the President KHA Dr Syed Junaid Ali Shah said there was no pool of players when he took over but the number is growing every day.
“Efforts will be made to create at least one hockey ground in all the six districts of the city aimed at providing easy access to up and coming players,” he added.
Former stalwarts and organisers including Samiullah, Hanif Khan, Jamil Ahmed Khan, secretary YMCA Hockey Club Shabih Abbas, former international athletes Mohammad Talib, Arshad Saleem, ex Pakistan basketballer Jawaid Khan, hardworking KHA secretary Haider Hussain and officials Gulfraz Khan and DSP Ejazuddin were elated on the resumption of sports at YMCA.
“It’s a moment of joy and like a dream coming true,” Shabih Abbas told Dawn.
He paid compliments to honourable judges of the apex court, the commissioner, deputy commissioner South, KHA secretary and his team for playing their role in making it a success.
Abbas, who was instrumental in unearthing a number of talented players, expressed optimism to again take the gme and the institution to new heights in the near future.
Secretary Sports of YMCA Babar Paul, Principal YMCA School Mushtaq Masih, Principal YMCA Polytechnic Ivan Menhas and William Saleem were also present on the occasion. A large number of women’s hockey players and officials also turned up to celebrate the revival of sports.
Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2019
