Rs2m cash award for Sohail

Published October 13, 2004

ISLAMABAD, Oct 12: Pakistan's goal-churning machine Sohail Abbas, who became the world's highest scorer this week has attracted presidential attention and is to be rewarded for his feat.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday announced a cash award of Rs2 million for the defender who has taken penalty corner hitting to new heights. Sohail went past Dutchman Paul Litjens' record of 267 goals in the seventh game of the eight-match hockey series against India which Pakistan won 4-2 on Monday.

Musharraf has been a generous supporter of national athletes and has regularly handed out cash awards to those excelling internationally. Sohail's award is likely to be given away by the president himself.