LAHORE, Oct 2: Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan, Shiv Shankar Menon said the Pakistan-India hockey series will go a long way in promoting friendship between the two countries.

He was speaking at a reception hosted in honour of Pakistan and Indian hockey teams by Lahore District Nazim, Mian Aamir Mahmood at Bagh-i-Jinnah on Friday.

"This series is not merely a sporting event it has its own significance to help in promoting friendship between the two neighbouring countries," he said.

Underlining the importance of the series, he said, it would also help in enhancing the standard of the game in the region.

"By that way both India and Pakistan can improve the standard of their game and strive to achieve lost glory," he said adding "once both the countries were a force to reckon within hockey and if they continue their efforts for the developmentthey can once again glory," he said.

The diplomat praised the managerial skills of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for organising the Pakistan leg of the series in a befitting manner.

"We can learn a lot from the organisation of this event in Pakistan and PHF has set an example with the holding of a smooth hockey competition," he said.

Lahore City Nazim, Mian Aamir Mahmood said Pakistan-India hockey series was a historic event which was organised in Pakistan.

"We welcome restoration of this friendly hockey series between the two countries which would also help in bettering relations," he said.

He said high class hockey was witnessed during this event and thrilling action is expected to be seen during the Indian leg of the series.

"Government under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf has taken positive measures to establish peace in the region and this series is also an effort to better relations with India," he said.

Indian team manager Satish Kumar Sharma, manager, Pakistan hockey team, Samiullah also spoke on the occasion.

Later, Lahore District Nazim presented a souvenir to the Indian High Commissioner. Souvenirs and prizes were also given to the members and officials of both the teams.-APP