KARACHI: Secretary Sports XI scored a narrow 1-0 victory over Commissioner Karachi XI in an exciting Independence Day exhibition hockey match held under floodlights here at the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) Sports Academy in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on Sunday.

Taha Raza scored the all-important goal for the winner.

Earlier, the match between Karachi Youth and Hyderabad ended in a goalless draw. In another match, local U-12 boys defeated Karachi Girls team by solitary goal. Khizer Akhtar of Hyderabad was declared Man of the Match while Ayan Khan (U-12) and Adeel (Karachi Youth) were awarded trophies.

Provincial Sports Secretary Imtiaz Ali Shah, who was the chief guest on the occasion, commended Karachi Hockey Association for promoting the national game in the metropolis and making wonderful efforts to revive the game by providing high class facilities at the venue.

The matches also marked the inauguration of floodlights installed by the Sindh Government on the orders of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The venue was decorated with national flags and buntings. National anthem was played and a cake was also cut by the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ali Shah said that the chief minister is taking keen interest in revival of the national game. He assured to provide his full support to the KHA in future also.

KHA patron retired Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Husseni on the occasion said sports play vital role in nation building.

Former Olympian Hanif Khan, Chief Engineer Sindh Government Aslam Mehr, Chairman KHA Gulfraz Ahmed Khan and other officials including Dr S. A. Majid, SSP Ejazuddin, and KHA Secretary Haider Hussain were prominent among others present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2020