The team was seen off by the president of the Pakistan Hockey federation, Qasim Zia and the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Syed Arif Hasan at National Stadium.

Secretary, PHF Muhammad Asif Bajwa was also present on the occasion.

Before their departure POA Chief had a chat with the team members and urged them to put up an impressive show to keep the country's flag high.

“We need extra ordinary performances from all the members of the team who are full of talent and promise to rise to the occasion,” he said.

He re-counted PHF's efforts for the revival of the game and said the steps being taken aim at regaining lost glory.

“There is dire need to continue these efforts with undying spirit and I am confident that in the years to come we can emerge as a force to be reckoned with at international level,” said the POA Chief.

Syed Kashif Shah will lead the 17 member team whose other members are Mazhar Abbas, Adnan Shakoor (Goal Keepers), Amir Sultan, Muhammad Usman Aslam, Ali Hassan Faraz (Full Backs), Muhammad Sohaib, Amir Ashiq, Muhammad Rizwan (Halves), Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Irfan, Arslan Qadir, Ahmad Zubair, Muhammad Suleman, Ali Shan and Muhammad Adnan (Forwards).

The stand by players are Yasir Khan, Fahad Khan, Yasir Ali, Kamran Asif, Hafiz Zohaib, Shaharyar, Abdul Karim and Zohaib Khan.

Khawaja Muhammad Junaid will be the manager/chief coach, while Danish Kaleem and Anjum Saeed will act as assistant coaches and Asad Abbas Shah is the team doctor.

Six teams are taking part in the hockey event of 1st Youth Olympics and the event will be played on single league basis.

Pakistan team will play its first match against Ghana on August 17, second against Chile on August 18, third against Singapore on August 20, fourth against Australia on August 21 and fifth against Belgium on August 23. Final and classification matches will be played on August 24. - APP