LAHORE, Nov 7: Afghanistan national hockey team would make its first-ever visit to Pakistan in January next year to play a six match series.

“The touring side will play six matches against local sides at different centres,” said Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan, Secretary, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Friday.

He said the Afghanistan will visit Pakistan from Jan 12-22 and two matches each will be played at Peshawar, Bannu and Abbotabad.

The visit of the Afghanistan team is the outcome of a meeting which was held here a few days ago between a PHF official and the secretary, Afghanistan Hockey Association (AHA), Taj Mohammad at National Stadium.

“It was a very useful meeting and we assured AHA of our full support to revive the game in their country,” he said.

PHF official said the AHA was very keen to activate the game on sound lines and they have sought Pakistan’s support in all areas to achieve this objective.

Afghanistan has no hockey infrastructure and not even a single astro turf and its national hockey association is striving to revive the game seeking support from neighbouring country and involving youth to this sport using grassy fields.

Musarrat said the visit of Afghanistan team would help them to learn hockey and to improve their skills.

“We have very good relations with Afghanistan and we will be extending our all out help by sending our coaches, inviting their coaches to Pakistan to attend courses and we are even ready to send a former olympian to organise their hockey at grass root level,” he said.

Musarrart said PHF has showed a goodwill gesture by providing hockey sticks, balls and other playing equipment and sports gear to the visiting AFA official.—APP