GoldenAsif

Good to see hockey getting recognition from government

Now some results w'd be nice too...

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\07\17\story_17-7-2009_pg2_8

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hockey star Rehan Butt received sportsman of the year award and a cash prize of Rs one million here on Thursday. Rehan received the awards from federal sports minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani during a ceremony hosted in his honour. “I am thankful to the government for giving me this award,” a beaming Rehan told reporters. “I am sure awards like this will help promote sports in the country,” he added.

He expressed his desire to help Pakistan qualify for and also win next year’s Hockey World Cup. “The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is working hard to revive the national sport and its efforts could help the team win the World Cup,” he said. Joining the Pakistan team after playing for the Divisional Public School and Government College Lahore, Rehan has 245 international appearances to his credit with 69 goals for Pakistan. Speaking at the award-giving ceremony, the minister said a game like hockey required wholehearted government support. PHF president and former Olympian Qasim Zia said that hockey had won Pakistan many laurels at international level. “It is a great occasion for our hockey player to receive the award which was originally started in 1977 and has been revived now,” Qasim added.

Mostar95

Well done.