Shukriya, India, phir milenge: Saqlain

As Pakistan beat China to sign off from Asian Champions Trophy, coach Saqlain Muhammad urges Hockey India to facilitate more Indo-Pak hockey as traditional rivalry will boost fortune of the sport in Asia

Pakistan coach Saqlain Muhammad and his team signed off from the Asian Champions Trophy on a high with a 6-1 victory over China at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium here on Friday.

Muhammad Ammad (10^th and 52^nd min) and Muhammad Khan (11^th and 12^th) scored a brace each before Abdul Shahid (15^th) and Abdul Rana (55^th) contributed one goal each for Pakistan. China pulled one back through Benhai Chen (35^th).

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Saqlain expressed his gratitude to Hockey India for the opportunity to help his young team earn some valuable experience here. “I’m very thankful to Hockey India for inviting us for this tournament. It’s been a great learning for my young team,” he told mid-day after the win against China.

Also Read: Asian Champions Trophy: India send Pakistan packing

Saqlain also urged HI to have more India v Pakistan matches in future. “The more India and Pakistan play, the better it will be not just for the fans and players, but also for the growth of the sport in Asia. India enjoy a lot of financial backing for the sport while there is no such thing as sponsorship back home. In fact, we only have critics, but hopefully with this young team, we can achieve great heights if we stick together for the next two or three years,” Saqlain signed off. 

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