An excited hockey match between Pakistan Rangers and a team from China’s Guangdong Province was held at Narowal Sports City, with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal attending as the chief guest. The event attracted a large gathering of students from schools, colleges and universities, as well as local residents, who enthusiastically cheered both teams throughout the match.
Pakistan Rangers defeated the Guangdong team 3–1 in an engaging contest that highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. The national anthems of both countries were played before the match, reflecting the mutual respect and close ties between the two friendly nations. At the conclusion of the match, prizes and shields were presented to players and match officials.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s hockey team once inspired strong hopes of winning gold medals whenever it competed in the Olympic Games. He stressed the need to revive that golden era and restore Pakistan hockey’s position on the international stage by providing young players with modern facilities, quality training and greater opportunities to excel.
The federal minister recalled that he had faced politically motivated cases and imprisonment in connection with the development of Narowal Sports City.
However, he said, seeing the happiness on the faces of young people today had helped heal the wounds of those difficult years. He added that his vision of hosting international sporting events in Narowal was gradually becoming a reality, marking an important milestone for the promotion of sports in the city and across Pakistan.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal said Narowal Sports City would provide young people, particularly boys and girls, with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions. He expressed confidence that athletes trained at the facility would go on to represent Pakistan in international competitions and bring honour to the country.
Emphasising the importance of hard work and perseverance, the minister said the achievements of successful international athletes were the result of sustained effort, discipline, determination and commitment. He urged young people to pursue their chosen fields with dedication, polish their abilities through continuous hard work and play their part in bringing recognition to Pakistan.
Highlighting the significance of the exhibition match, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said the sporting encounter symbolised the longstanding friendship and close relations between Pakistan and China. He noted that China had consistently stood by Pakistan in difficult times and said the participation of the Guangdong team in Narowal would further strengthen bilateral ties while promoting people-to-people contacts through sports. He warmly welcomed the Chinese team to Narowal.
The exhibition match formed part of broader efforts to promote international sporting activities at Narowal Sports City, encourage youth participation in sports and strengthen friendly relations between Pakistan and China. The enthusiastic participation of students and local residents reflected public interest in sporting activities and renewed engagement with hockey, Pakistan’s national sport.
