Pakistan hockey team arrives in Amritsar
February 22nd, 2010 - 8:11 pm ICT by ANIBy Ravinder Singh Robin
Amritsar, Feb.22 (ANI): 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. (ANI)
- 'Anti-Pakistan' sentiment in India, a cause for concern: PHF - Feb 19, 2010
- Indo-Pak Hockey World Cup clash would help deescalate tension: PHF secretary - Feb 21, 2010
- Despite assurance threat looms large over Pak hockey players in India: Security expert - Feb 22, 2010
- Pakistan confident of resuming international hockey during 2011 - Apr 27, 2011
- PHF warns players to stay away from World Series Hockey - Nov 15, 2011
- India calms terror fears over hockey World Cup (Roundup) - Feb 17, 2010
- Tight security for Hockey World Cup due to terror threat - Feb 18, 2010
- Bollywood celebrities cheer for hockey ahead of World Cup - Feb 21, 2010
- PHF patron Malik to work for Indo-Pak hockey series resumption - Apr 20, 2011
- PHF warns hockey players to leave 'controversial league' WSH or face action - Apr 22, 2011
- Pakistan hockey eyeing a podium finish in London Olympics - Jan 25, 2011
- No issues with security arrangements in New Delhi: Pak hockey team manager - Feb 25, 2010
- Indian hockey team likely to tour Pakistan at 2011 end: Asif Bajwa - Apr 09, 2011
- Hockey World Cup teams arrive amid heavy security (Round up) - Feb 22, 2010
- "We will not be deterred by Ilyas Kashmiri's warnings," says Chidambaram - Feb 17, 2010
Tags: ali khan, amritsar, ashraf, asif, delhi police, foolproof security, hockey federation, hockey world cup, india pakistan, indian government, level security, phf, practice games, pune city police, quadrennial event, ravinder singh, security arrangements, security levels, terror attack, zeeshan