KARACHI: District West beat District South in the inaugural match of the Karachi Inter-District Talent Hunt Men’s Hockey League 2021 here on Thursday at the Dr Junaid Ali Shah-Hanif Khan Hockey Sports Complex.

District West won 3-2 with Hammad, Adeel and Saud scoring a goal each for the winners while Wahab and Anas scored a goal each for District South. Adeel was declared Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Seven teams are competing in the league which have been divided into two groups. Pool A includes District West, District Keamari and District South while Pool B comprises District Malir, District Korangi, District East and District Central.

The top two teams from both pools will be part of the semi-finals, which will played on February 22, while the league final will be played on February 23.

Secretary Sports Sindh Imtiaz Ali Shah, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) is moving towards right path and the government of Sindh will always support and stand with KHA.

“District Kemari is participating in any sports event for the first time and the credit for this also goes to KHA,” Secretary Sports said.

Pakistan’s national football captain Kaleemullah also spoke on the occasion and said: “I am really happy to see KHA Sports Complex and the association’s dedicated work for promotion of hockey.”

Olympian Hanif Khan said that KHA selected players from camp where more than 1,000 players participated last month Secretary KHA, Syed Haider Hussain said on the occasion that the Sindh government and Sports Department has always supported the association.

“According to the vision of President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, KHA has always worked for the promotion of national game,” said Haider.

Olympians Samiullah and Hanif Khan, Organising Secretary Gulfraz Ahmed Khan, Event Coordinator Waqas Shiekh, Javed Iqbal and commentator Riazuddin were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2021