LAHORE: Pakistan’s junior hockey squad on Saturday reached New Delhi from Dubai on its way to Bhubaneswar to feature in the World Cup being held there from Nov 24.

According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the national squad upon its arrival in New Delhi was received by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Aftab Hasan Khan who hosted a lunch in the honour of the squad.

The 16-nation global event is being staged at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from Nov 24 to Dec 5. Pakistan are placed in pool ‘D’ alongside Argentina, Egypt and Germany.

The Pakistan squad had to reach Bhubaneswar the same afternoon as it will play the first practice match there against Chile on Sunday.

Prior to the squad’s departure from Lahore to Sialkot to fly for India, head coach Danish Kaleem said the boys were in high spirits to give their best.

“Despite the problems that emerged due to Covid-19 pandemic the boys have worked hard for this event,” the coach said. “The two practice matches will also help our players assess their strength and weaknesses before they face Germany in the first match on Nov 24.”

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2021