Peshawar cultural hub hosts hockey legends as they push for bilateral sports series
PESHAWAR:
Pakistan’s renowned former hockey Olympian Samiullah Khan, famously known as the ‘Flying Horse’, declared on Saturday that the Pakistan-China friendship is “everlasting” and admired worldwide.
He made these remarks during a visit to the China Window, a Chinese cultural centre established in Peshawar. Khan was accompanied by seven other Pakistani Olympians: Naeem Akhtar, Nasser Ali, Ayaz Mahmood, Dr Aatif Bashir, Shakeel Abbasi, Rahim Khan, and Kashif Jawad. Former
Pakistani squash champion Qamar Zaman was also present on the occasion.
Speaking to media, Samiullah expressed his delight at visiting the centre and said he was heartened to learn that the cultural hub is playing a vital role in strengthening Pakistan-China ties.
“I have participated in several tournaments in China, where I received immense warmth and hospitality. That is why the people of our two countries share such a deep bond of love,” said Samiullah, who also serves as the chief selector of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
He noted that China takes a keen interest in Pakistan’s economic development, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the country’s economic lifeline.
“On the sports field as well, both nations are very close. I wish to see a friendly hockey series between Pakistan and China so that regular matches can be arranged between the two countries,” he added.
Other Olympians present also extended their congratulations to the Chinese people, especially athletes, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. They expressed confidence that the bilateral friendship will grow even stronger in the years to come.
