FIH hockey series to send a positive message to world: PHF president.

LAHORE -- President Pakistan Hockey Federation Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said on Monday that successful holding of the ongoing FIH hockey series in Pakistan would send a positive message to the world that Pakistan is a safe country for hosting elite hockey events. 'We are hosting an international hockey event almost after 14 years and we are delighted that four foreign teams are taking part in it,' he told reporter here at the National Hockey Stadium after opening ceremony of the series. Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Nepal and hosts Pakistan are featuring in the six-day event.

The PHF chief said holding of the event is of greater significance for Pakistan as foreign teams are playing in Pakistan after a long gap and its successful holding will be a way forward for bringing back regular international hockey ties at the Pakistani soil in due course of time.

'This series will also supplement the ongoing efforts of PHF for the revival of hockey which is a dying sport in Pakistan due to lack of patronage of Government and resources,' he said.

The PHF president rejected a questioner that the series is of lesser importance and significance as little known teams only from Asia are featuring in it saying that 'No matter the participating teams are just beginners in the international hockey, but in the given circumstances when other top notch teams are not ready to visit Pakistan owing to various reasons, the visit of the these teams is a ray of hope for resumption of international hockey in the country.'

Brig...