Lahore: Uzbekistan outplayed Afghanistan 11-0 in a completely one-sided match as international hockey returns to Pakistan with Haier Hockey Series Open here at the National Hockey Stadium.
Senior Minister Punjab Raja Basharat was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of this FIH event. President Pakistan Hockey Federation Khalid Sajjad Khokhar was also present.
The second match was played between Pakistan President XI and Nepal. Pakistan President XI’s is appearing as a guest team. Their matches are all ‘friendly games’ and carry no points towards the actual tournament.
It also turned out to be a lopsided contest. Pakistan President XI consisting of young emerging players easily defeated Nepal 9-0
On Tuesday, Kazakhstan will take on Nepal while Pakistan President XI will face Uzbekistan.
Pakistan, with a glorious past in the game of hockey, is hosting an FIH-sanctioned international hockey tournament after a lapse of 14 years. Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Nepal and Uzbekistan are vying for a place in the 2019 Hockey Series Finals.