K. Jahangir
Lahore: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting South Korean hockey team on Wednesday, reinforcing its commitment to sports diplomacy, international friendship and stronger ties between Pakistan’s sporting federations.
The South Korean side is currently touring Pakistan for the FIH-sanctioned international hockey series against the national team. The reception highlighted Pakistan’s tradition of hospitality while promoting greater collaboration among different sports.
Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and Acting President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Mohyuddin Wani, praised the initiative, saying, “It gives me immense pleasure to state that the PFF leadership has taken this step that shows Pakistan is a sports-loving country and welcomes athletes across all sports. We hope other sporting federations in the country follow the PFF’s lead to showcase Pakistan’s great hospitality.”
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, saying, “Hockey is our national game and Pakistan has enjoyed record successes in the sport. It has given us national legends, from whom we continue to learn as we aspire to take the sport of football to new heights in the country.”
PFF Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar echoed similar sentiment. “From our part, this is a small contribution to the sport that has given Pakistan some of its best sporting moments,” he said. “We look to promote and strengthen a close partnership with the PHF as both federations look to work for the uplift of their respective sports.”
Advisor to the PFF President on Government Relations Eyab Ahmed welcomed the growing cultural and sporting exchanges between Pakistan and South Korea, while Islamabad Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Rehan wished the visiting team a successful and memorable stay in Pakistan.
PFF Congress member Raja Muhammad Ishtiaq and Executive Committee member Waseem Raja also lauded the initiative, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening inter-federation cooperation and promoting goodwill through sport.
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