PFF hosts luncheon in honour of South Korea hockey team, promotes Inter-Sport Cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Aug 5 (APP): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hosted a luncheon on Wednesday in honour of the South Korea national hockey team as a gesture of goodwill and to promote international sporting cooperation during the team’s ongoing tour of Pakistan.

The South Korean side is currently visiting the country to participate in an FIH-sanctioned international test series organised by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). The luncheon was arranged as a symbol of Pakistan’s traditional hospitality and to strengthen ties between the two sporting federations.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination and President Pakistan Hockey Federation, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, praised the PFF’s initiative, describing it as a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to sports and its welcoming spirit towards athletes from around the world.

“This commendable gesture by the PFF leadership demonstrates that Pakistan is a sports-loving nation which warmly welcomes players from all disciplines. We hope other sports federations will also follow this example and continue the tradition of excellent hospitality,” he said.

Wani also recalled a notable historical connection between Pakistan’s hockey success and world football, noting that Pakistan’s triumph at the 1978 Hockey World Cup in Buenos Aires inspired Argentina football manager César Luis Menotti to adopt an attacking, possession-based style of play. Argentina went on to win its first FIFA World Cup later that same year.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani extended a warm welcome to the South Korean team and wished them a successful tour of Pakistan.

“Hockey is our national sport and Pakistan has achieved remarkable success in it. The game has produced many national heroes whose achievements continue to inspire us. We hope to draw lessons from their legacy as we strive to take football to new heights in the country,” Gilani said.

PFF Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar echoed these sentiments, describing the luncheon as a small tribute to a sport that has given Pakistan some of its finest moments on the international stage.

“We are keen to build a close partnership with the PHF so that both federations can work together for the development and promotion of their respective sports,” he said.

PFF President’s Adviser on Government Affairs, Ayab Ahmed appreciated the cultural exchange fostered by the South Korean team’s visit, saying such engagements help strengthen bilateral relations beyond sport.

President Islamabad Football Association, Sheikh Ahmed Rehan expressed hope that the visiting team would enjoy its stay in Pakistan and called for more sporting exchanges in the future.

PFF Congress member Raja Muhammad Ishtiaq and Executive Committee member Wasim Raja also commended the initiative, describing inter-sport collaboration as an important step towards the overall development of sports in Pakistan.