Pak-India tension can be reduced by hockey contests: Qasim Zia

LAHORE: President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia said that the present tension between Pakistan and India can be reduced through hockey contests, however, the Foreign Office would guide in this regard.

Talking with media at the National Stadium Lahore, Qasim Zia said that both countries should promote hockey together and the Asian hockey can be improved only in this way.

He said that the present incidents of terrorism have not only affected sports but also the economy of both countries but we are not afraid of these incidents but eager to eliminate the terrorism through the game.

Qasim Zia further said that on the occasion of the Asian Hockey Federation meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur on December 20, the Asian countries would be requested to send their teams to Pakistan.

He said that the programmes of the PHF and the academies would formally begin from January 1.

Qasim Zia on Thursday will leave for Malaysia to participate in the meeting of the Asian Hockey Federation.