Thu, Nov 25 10 09:36 PM
Karachi, Nov 25 (PTI) Pakistan''s first major hockey title in 16-years and their first Asian Games gold medal after 20 years has sparked off countrywide celebrations with former Olympians, government officials and the public singing praises for the national team players. Pakistan''s Asian Games final match against Malaysia was watched by thousands of people in offices, marketplaces and parks where giant screens were installed to telecast the match. The 2-0 victory was greeted by loud cheers, dancing and distribution of sweets in many parts of the country. The federal sports minister, Aijaz Hussain Jahrani and the President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Qasim Zia described the win as the life saver for hockey in the country. "We had said all along that our target is the Asian Games. After the World Cup and Commonwealth Games there was despondency but we had said we will win the Asian Games title," said Qasim Zia, a former Olympian. He also said that the Pakistani players deserved a lot of credit and praise for winning the final, while pointing out that hockey required such a major victory to boost its standing in Pakistan and also to reignite interest of the people in the national game. He said Pakistan had played well against the three other Asian giants -- India, South Korea and Malaysia and deserved to win. "We lost to India but were not humiliated and that I think was a stepping stone to this title," he said. Jakhrani announced that the team would be given a hero''s welcome when it return home on Saturday morning from China. "The players and officials who have brought this title for Pakistan will be rewarded by the government with cash awards and other facilities," he added. He said hockey needed a big title win and now Pakistan hockey is on the right path. .
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