MINGORA: Tourists thronged the Malam Jabba ski resort to enjoy watching the first-ever ice hockey competition.

The first-ever ice hockey rink has been set up in Malam Jabba where national and international competition of ice hockey would be organised. Tourists and locals said that ice hockey was a pleasant addition to the beauty of Malam Jabba where they enjoyed various winter sports activities.

“I am excited to watch ice hockey for the first time in my life. We have watched such types of sports on television. Watching the game here is like a dream. The valley is so beautiful that it is beyond my expectations,” said Adeeba, a tourist from Rawalpindi, who visited the resort with her family.

Mohammad Sadiq, a local resident, said that he did not know about ice hockey but when the sport was introduced in his village he started learning it. “Though ice hockey is new for us yet it is not difficult. We have started it today and learnt it a lot. We are learning it and having fun,” he added.

The local youth, who started playing ice hockey, said that they were happy to play the sport for the first time.

“Initially we are giving training to 10 players. We will form two teams. We are preparing them for international competitions. I am sure that they will perform well at international level in ice hockey,” said Asmat Ali, the captain and coach of the ice hockey in Malam Jabba.

MNA Dr Haider Ali, who was present there, appreciated introduction of ice hockey in Swat and said that he felt pride that ice hockey was started for the first time in Pakistan from Malam Jabba.

“Our government will bring here all the sports and fun activities related to winter for promotion of tourism and winter sports in the country,” he said. He added that government would polish and promote local talent so that they could play for the country at national and international level.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2020