Jakhrani announces cash reward for national hockey team

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Sports Mir Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani was brimming with delight, like the rest of the Nation, after Pakistan won back-to-back gold medals in hockey and squash at the 16th Asian Games at Guangzhou (China) on Thursday.

Jhakrani hoped that past sins, if any, of Pakistan Hockey Federation would now be forgiven and that squash too will get a new lease of life in the country.

He said that the Pakistan Hockey team will be rewarded with a cash prize of Rs. five million as they annexed the Asian Games men's hockey gold medal after 20 years with a convincing 2-0 win over Malaysia in the final on Thursday.

"A cash prize amounting to Rs five million will be given to the national hockey team for bringing gold in the event and lifting Pakistan's name," the Minister told APP.

Veteran Sohail Abbas put Pakistan ahead with his team's first penalty corner in the 26th minute, before striker Rehan Butt increased the margin three minutes after half-time.

It was Pakistan's eighth Asiad hockey gold, ending a drought that stretched back to Beijing in 1990, and handed them their first major title since winning the World Cup in Sydney in 1994.

The Minister said that he was very happy that in his tenure the national team landed the Asian Games title after a gap of 20 years.

"It is time to celebrate this moment," said Jhakrani.

"Taking the gold after 20 years was important, but I am more delighted that we have also confirmed a place in the Olympics."

"Our team has shown a brilliant performance. I am sure that by this the spirit and confidence of our team will lift up. We went in the Asiad with great hopes after losing in the World Cup and Commonwealth game. It is really great. Hopefully I believe that the past will be forgotten now".

"Our country is facing so many problems that it needs moments like these to celebrate. I am sure our win would have brought smiles on the faces of all Pakistanis."

He also lauded the Pakistan squash team on beating Malaysian team by 2-0 in the final of the squash team event of the Asian Games on Thursday.

Farhan Mehboob laid the foundation of Pakistan victory by beating Malaysian star Ong Beng Hee by 3-0 in just 23 minutes.

Farhan took the first set, second set by 11-4 and won the final set by 11-7.

Aamir Atlas Khan took revenge of his defeat in individual final against Azlan Iskandar as he defeated the Malaysian star by 3-0 in 44 minutes.

Iskandar showed resistance in the start as Atlas had to work hard for victory in the first two sets.

Atlas took the first set by 14-12 and second set by 15-13. Atlas won the third set by 11-4 in just six minutes.

"This is a huge victory for Pakistan squash team as Pakistan squash players had not won any major title in past many years," he concluded.