ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hosted a luncheon for the visiting South Korean hockey team on Wednesday, in a gesture aimed at promoting sports diplomacy, international friendship and closer cooperation among Pakistan’s sporting federations.
The South Korean team is in Pakistan for an FIH-sanctioned international hockey series against the national side. The reception underlined Pakistan’s tradition of hospitality and the importance of encouraging collaboration across different sports.
Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and Acting President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Mohyuddin Wani, appreciated the initiative, saying it reflected Pakistan’s enthusiasm for sports and its warm approach towards international athletes.
He expressed the hope that other national sports federations would take similar steps to further strengthen Pakistan’s image as a welcoming sporting destination.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani welcomed the visiting delegation and reiterated the federation’s respect for Pakistan’s rich hockey legacy. He said hockey was the country’s national game and recognised its outstanding achievements, adding that its legacy continued to inspire the football fraternity in its efforts to develop the sport across the country.
PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar said the reception was a modest tribute to a sport that had brought Pakistan some of its finest sporting honours. He also stressed the federation’s desire to establish closer institutional cooperation with the PHF for the mutual progress of football and hockey.
Advisor to the PFF President on Government Relations Eyab Ahmed welcomed the increasing cultural and sporting exchanges between Pakistan and South Korea, while Islamabad Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Rehan wished the visiting side a successful and memorable stay in Pakistan.
PFF Congress member Raja Muhammad Ishtiaq and Executive Committee member Waseem Raja also appreciated the initiative, calling it a positive step towards improving inter-federation cooperation and promoting goodwill through sport.
