PSC of Australia welcomes Pakistan Hockey team in Sydney

(Captain Ahmed Allam with Naeem ul Haque and other players and PSC members)

Sydney (Tribune International, Thursday, 5^th of June, 2003): Pakistan Sports Club of Australia hosted a dinner in the honour of the touring Pakistan Hockey team. The Pakistani Hockey team is touring Australia playing 3-nation tournament. The dinner was held at Pak Tandoori Restaurant Penrith (NSW) which is owned by Dr. G. A. Khan, a well known Pakistani. The Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Ejaz Ahmed was the Chief Guest while Mr. Nouman Munir Manager of PIA; Mr. Muhammad Aslam, Manager, Habib Finance were among the guests. Many other dignitaries including prominent Pakistanis attended this prestigious event. Pakistani Hockey team with the team Manager/Coach, a world renowned Hockey veteran Shahnaz Sheikh and Pakistani journalists representing Daily Jang and The News were warmly welcomed at the scene. The team came straight from the Olympic stadium where they played match against Australia which Pakistan lost by 3 to 4. During his address to the gathering Shahnaz Sheikh introduced each player by highlighting the humorous profile of each individual players’ career and personalities. He said that though the team lost, today, against Australia but the boys played a very competitive game. He said that he was very much satisfied with the team performance. He said now we are more focusing on coming match against India which is scheduled Saturday, this match is most crucial for us. If we win the match we will be in the final. Shahnaz Sheik also presented souvenirs to the chairman of the Pakistan Sports Club Mr. Muzaffar Ali and the other board members, Hafiz Mohammad Gulzar, Mian Ashfaq Ahmed and Faheem Rashidi. Dr. Akbar Khan presented a gift to the team’s Manager Shahnaz Sheikh.

The Secretary of PSC Mr. Naeem-ul-Haque performed the duties of the stage secretary. A delicious food was served at the end. The Pakistan Sports Club of Australia has been welcoming visiting sporting teams from Pakistan regularly when the team or individual player visits Sydney. (More picture of the event will be released on 7^th of June, 2003).