ISLAMABAD: Netherlands Ambassador Henry de Vries hosted a reception to commemorate the visit of the Oldenzaal Dutch hockey team, the first hockey team to visit and compete against a Pakistani team in over 22 years.

The visit was made possible by Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy who invited the Dutch club with support from the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Ambassador de Vries said, “I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to host you all and to honour the relationship and sports diplomacy between our two countries.

While the Netherlands and Pakistan might seem like two very different countries at first glance, there are several similarities that connect us. Our love of sports and in particular hockey or field hockey as some of our international colleagues here call it is just one of similarities.”

She added, “Hockey holds a special place in the hearts of both the Dutch and Pakistani people, and this week is a testament to the power of sports in bridging cultures and fostering understanding. The matches played in Lahore, and the upcoming match in Islamabad, have not only showcased the skill and ability of our athletes but have also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.”

She expressed her appreciation for the organisers at the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy for their hospitality. The academy works with over 400 underprivileged youth in Pakistan, providing them access to education and opportunities. Together with the academy, the Dutch hockey team has also conducted a few clinics, sharing their expertise and engaging with local young players and hockey enthusiasts.

The ambassador expressed her gratitude to the academy for extending the invitation to the club and the HEC for its support.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, chairman HEC, said, “It is important to engage our youth in sports because healthy minds are productive minds. The more our youth enjoy cricket and hockey and squash and other games the better. HEC will keep on striving for our youth in higher education and let us plan to hold such sports initiatives regularly.”

Khawaja Junaid, the Olympian, said, “I am extremely humbled by the support and warmth received from everyone over these few days. The Dutch embassy has been extremely helpful in making this event successful and I would also like to thank the HEC chairman who has supported us.”

Naveed Minhas, one of the players visiting from Oldenzaalse Hockey Club - Bully - said, “This is a very nice experience to be in Pakistan as I have the Pakistani and Dutch nationalities and for us it is a very big honour to bring my teammates to Pakistan. Without Khawaja Junaid this would not have been possible.

We have had a few activities like watching the PSL game in the cricket stadium which was a good experience for my friends who got to see another sport that is so famous in Pakistan.

At the moment, everybody is very happy to see the country, the behaviour of the Pakistani people and I hope this will be the best connection between Pakistan and Holland.”

Ruben Kattie, Captain OHC Bully, said, “We have had a beautiful journey in Pakistan. Pakistan is a beautiful country; everybody is very respectful, friendly and helpful.

Hospitality is very very important here. We’ve met beautiful people all thanks to Junaid’s Hockey Academy and we have visited these fields, a factory, Wagah border, played two crazy hockey matches in the Lahore Hockey Stadium - we lost the first and won the second.

The final is on Friday in Islamabad and as a team we are really looking forward to the match and we hope everybody enjoyed our visit to Pakistan.”

The event was attended by diplomats, hockey enthusiasts and other stakeholders committed to promoting sports and international cooperation.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2024