LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced cash prize of Rs200,000 for each player of the Pakistan hockey squad for winning silver medal in the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea last month.

The announcement was made at a function hosted by the chief minister in honour of the national squad.

All the members of national hockey squad were introduced to the chief minister on the occasion.

Punjab Minister for Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmed presented the welcome address. The chief minister promised his full support for the revival of national game.

“Win or loss are part of game and our boys should not lose heart. There are numerous examples in history when brave nations manage to reassemble,” he said.

“Punjab government had also extended every kind of support to previous PHF management headed by ex-Olympian Qasim Zia. We will continue to offer full assistance to present PHF as well,” the chief minister said.

Backing PHF chief Akhtar Rasool’s point regarding visits of international teams, the chief minister asked the federation to invite top level teams any time.

“Our government will provide top level security to foreign sports teams whenever they visit,” he said.

Akhtar Rasool, head coach Shahnaz Sheikh also spoke on the occasion. The PHF chief thanked the chief minister for extending all kind of support for the game of hockey.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2014