KARACHI: Sindh Local Bodies Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has called upon all stake holders to work collectively for the revival of national game in the country.

“All stake holders should come forward and play their role for the revival of glorious past,” he said. He was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony after witnessing an exhibition match that was held under the aegis of the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) to celebrate country’s Independence Day and show solidarity with people of Kashmir at the Olympian Hanif Khan-Dr Junaid Ali Shah Hockey Complex, Gulshan iqbal, on Monday.

The minister said the provincial government on its part is laying special emphasis for the promotion of game in the country in general and the metropolis in particular. This is evident from the fact that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had doled out Rs100 million to the PHF last year and released Rs 25 million recently.

He said the provincial government cleared the KHA premises of illegal encroachments and allocated special funds for construction of facility. The senior minister informed that the government also helped clear a large number of stadia from encroachments in the metropolis. He had a special word of praise for the KHA secretary Haider Hussain who was also instrumental in staging the National Hockey Championship in the city recently along with his team.

It is pertinent to mention that the PHF president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar had also announced a reward of Rs50,000 for the KHA official to acknowledge his hardwork.

Accompanied by patron-in-chief of the KHA retired Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussain and president Dr Junaid Ali Shah, the chief guest also went around the complex and inspected facilities.

At the outset, a brace by Waseem Aslam helped Sindh Chief Minister’s XI defeat President KHA XI by 4-3. Badaruddin and Ammad Ayaz scored one goal apiece for the winners. Sunil, Zunair and Basil netted one goal each for the losers. Captain of the winning team Waseem received the trophy from the chief guest.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2019