KARACHI: The leader of the Chinese hockey team Li Gaochao described his team memorable and extended an invitation to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to send their national team for a Test series in April 2012.
“Our team learnt a great deal during the four-match Test series with Pakistan and we are going back satisfied,” he said at Quaid-e-Azam International airport prior to their departure for Beijing after a week long-trip to Pakistan on Monday night.
“Pakistan is among the top teams and has some skilled players of the world and his youngsters raised their game by playing alongside them,” Gaochao, who is also the Vice President of China Hockey Federation said.
China is the first hockey team to visit in seven years which signaled the return of international sporting activities in Pakistan. The home team won the series 4-0 after matches in Lahore, Faisalabad and Lahore.
He thanked PHF for making their trip a great success and for extending great Pakistani hospitality and warm reception in every part of the country where his team went.
“Our basic purpose to play in Pakistan and prepare for next year's London Olympic Qualifiers being staged in Japan,” he said.
“We would like to join Pakistan for a place in London Olympics with a good show in Japan,” he hoped.
He said they did have not any security fear whatsoever during their stay here and returning home happily.
The team was seen off at the airport by PHF and officials of Karachi Hockey Association and Pak-China Foundation.
