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R moXièxiè dàjiā – Thank you for coming

Ashar Zaidi on 5, Jan 2012 | 5 Comments | in Category: Sports Sprit

“A friend is one who walks in when others walk out” -Walter Winchell.

 

 

 Many would beat about but only one stood up to it. Brushing aside all fears, China once again proved their friendship is truly greater  than the Himalayas.

 

 

Journalism can rightly be called a strange profession as it can sometimes make you live witness to moments that leave a mark on you, whether good or bad. On 3^rd March 2009, I came across a scathing incident in Lahore that left permanent scars on my heart and mind. After countless reassurance and promises from higher Pakistani authorities, the Sri-Lankans eventually agreed to honor our grounds. The ODI’s and the first test at Karachi were completed peacefully, but even after serious security threats the second test was kept as per schedule in Lahore. For the first two days the islanders pretty much dominated us and while we were having a short breakfast on the third day, all hell broke loose – our worst fears had come to life.

 

 

Pakistani sports journalists have always been adamant on their stance that terrorism could never strike on the sports in their country. On 3^rd March, the claim was put to shame. The death of traffic warden Tanveer Iqbal and the heroics of driver Mehar Khalil are all part of the haunting folklore. When the army helicopter carrying injured Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana was taking off from Qaddafi Stadium, I had no doubts that we were also bidding farewell to international sports in Pakistan.

 

 

Ask anyone to tour Pakistan post March 2009 and they would simply call it suicide. Pakistani authorities knocked at every forum, and used their argument skills to the best, but for all the obvious reasons these requests were plainly turned down. And then as always, our best friend forever, China stepped up to shoulder us in truly difficult times by sending their National Hockey team to Pakistan in an effort to clear out the ‘not safe to visit’ stereotype.

 

 

Sitting at the picturesque Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) Stadium Karachi watching the two teams countering each other in their first match was one of those nostalgic moments. The last time the Hockey Club was seen in action was 24^th September 2004 when India had last visited Pakistan. The cheers of 10,000 fans still echo in my ears, flooding in many old and cherished memories.

 

 

Thanks to the herculean efforts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) some hint of life could be seen at the HCP once again. And even though the draught of international events and security fears has kept hockey fans miles away from the stadium, the stir in the ground was definitely worth celebrating.

 

 

It is always good to see a galaxy of former Olympians and Internationals stars mingling together. Most appeared emotional yet excited to see sticks flying around. Kamran Ashraf, the 1994 World Cup winner and scorer of over 100 international goals, was one of the many excited souls.

 

 

“It’s really heartening to see Hockey back in our country, I am a regular visitor at HCP and it used to hurt to see the empty stands and depleted conditions of the turf. Hockey Federation deserves a high five for giving life to the stadium”.

 

 

Champions Trophy and World Cup winner Qamar Ibrahim couldn’t hide his enthusiasm,

 

 

“I used to hear from my seniors that it was Hockey that helped introduce Pakistan to the world map especially at the 1948 London Olympics, I feel very proud that it’s my game that is now bringing international sports back in the country and the federation and government deserve full credit for their tireless efforts.”

 

 

It was a glorifying moment for PHF that tried to add as much color to the atmosphere as they could. It was particularly lovely to see energized school kids waving Chinese flags and chanting “Pak-Cheen Doosti Zindabad”. Interesting to see was the presence of more red flags than green. This was a small token of gesture towards the Chinese republic showing them how much their trip actually meant to us.

 

 

PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa wore the proudest smile,

 

 

“You can’t imagine the amount of sweat we shed to organize this event. We had asked everyone for help including the FIH but most were reluctant to visit due to security reasons. But when we turned to the Chinese they were more than willing to help restore international activities in Pakistan. I don’t have enough words to thank them.”

 

 

After Karachi, the Chinese landed in Faisalabad and Lahore to enthrall the crowds with their fast paced game. Their international ranking might not be worth mentioning but the way they gave Green Shirts scares in each match is commendable. While most were expecting the hosts to thrash the men in Red, the Chinese out-played expectations and highlighted flaws in Pakistan’s approach.

 

 

They might not have won games, but they did manage to steal hearts. Away from the field their humble attitude and simple life style impressed all. Their graciousness knows no boundaries as the leader of the team Li Gaochao left an impeccable impact on our minds by inviting the Pakistani team to visit China in April. He was also full praise for the hospitality and love received.

 

 

So what effects will the Chinese trip have in revitalizing sports in Pakistan? Well, sensing the safety Argentineans have agreed to visit us in March. This news has multiplied the respect for the Chinese who have immensely helped us claw our way back into the international arena.

 

 

PM Gilani recently described relations with the Chinese as:

 

 

“Higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey”

 

 

Beijing actually took out time to prove it right. On behalf of the people of Pakistan I would like to thank the Chinese and say,

 

 

“Nǐ zàicì zhèngmíng nǐ shì yīgè zhēnzhèng de péngyǒu” (you have once again proved to be a true friend)

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