BEIJING, Aug. 4: Pakistan’s 37-member contingent had the first feel of their participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games at the colorful and impressive flag-hoisting ceremony here on Monday.

The Pakistan contingent had flown into the Chinese capital on August 1 but the flag-hoisting ceremony was delayed for two days to accommodate Pakistan’s Chef de Mission Syed Aqil Shah who is also NWFP’s Sports Minister.

All the hockey, athletics, swimming and shooting players besides the officials participated in the ceremony. Pakistan national anthem was played to mark their participation in the biggest sporting extravaganza on earth.

Pakistan hockey team was the star attraction at the ceremony. Led by full-back Zeeshan Ashraf, the contingent gracefully marched through the block as children rendered friendship songs of the two neighboring countries at Village Mayor.

The flag-hoisting ceremony is held for every country upon its contingent’s arrival as per the Olympic tradition.

The ceremony was also attended by officials of the Pakistan Sports Board, the Pakistan Embassy and others supervising in the games. Souvenirs were also exchanged on the occasion.—APP