Pakistan hockey team arrives in Amritsar
By ANIMonday, February 22, 2010
AMRITSAR - Led by captain Zeeshan Ashraf and coach and former Pakistani goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan, an 18-member Pakistan squad arrived here in the wee hours of Monday (February 22) to participate in the Hockey World Cup which is scheduled to begin on Feb.28.
Speaking to the media, Asif Bajwa, the Secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), said that the team has come as a special envoy of peace from Pakistan.
“Pakistan President has sent us with a special message that the hockey team is coming down to India to spread the message of peace and prosperity among the two nations. We will serve as the ambassadors of peace for Pakistan in India. Pakistan has always tried to spread this message of harmony and we hope that the Indian government and the people here will reciprocate the same feelings towards us,” Bajwa said.
Pakistan is scheduled to play a couple of practice games before the World Cup opener against India on February 28.
The neighbouring team’s participation in the quadrennial event, which is to be held in New Delhi from February 28 to March 13, was in doubt due to the prevalent tension between two countries.
However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation gave the green signal for the team to visit India after being assured of a high-level security cover by security officials in New Delhi.
“We have no safety issues here in India. All our concerns have been addressed to. The Delhi Police chief has assured us that in case of any emergency the security levels will be raised within minutes. Our foreign office and High Commission is involved in this to ensure our full safety. So we are satisfied,” Bajwa added.
Questions regarding the security of the players came in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pune city.
Police have promised “foolproof” security for the Hockey World Cup to all the 12 teams participating in the tournament.
The Government beefed up security arrangements for players participating in the Hockey World Cup after a threat issued by al-Qaeda guerrilla Ilyas Kashmiri.
Ilyas Kashmiri, who commands the 313 Brigade, an operational arm of al Qaeda, specifically mentioned about the ‘2010 Hockey World Cup’ as he threatened international players against participating in sports events scheduled in India this year. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)
