Director Pir Abdullah Inspects Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium in Peshawar.

Director Pir Abdullah Inspects Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium in Peshawar

Musarrat Ullah Jan

In a significant visit to the Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium in Peshawar, Pir Abdullah, the Director of the merged District Sports Directorate, took a keen interest in the state of affairs. During this visit, he was warmly welcomed by key figures from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association, including Syed Zahir Shah, Hidayatullah, and Zia Banuri.

Pir Abdullah didn’t just confine his visit to pleasantries; he also spent valuable time meeting with the dedicated players who were diligently practicing on the grounds. As the Director of the Joint District Sports Directorate, he extended words of encouragement and voiced his optimism that these young talents would soon become integral members of Pakistan’s national hockey team.

Highlighting the talent pool in the region, Pir Abdullah proudly mentioned four players from the province who are currently honing their skills on the same grounds and have earned their spots in the national team.
In his discussions with the hockey coach, Asif Islam, Pir Abdullah inquired about the performance of the players, displaying a genuine interest in their progress.

Moreover, Pir Abdullah made a significant announcement during his visit. He assured everyone that in the near future, a series of three-day matches would be organized between the hockey teams of Peshawar and Bajaur at the Bajaur hockey grounds.

This initiative aims not only to enhance the practice of Bajaur players but also to provide them with the invaluable opportunity to compete alongside senior players, gaining vital experience in the process.

The visit by Director Pir Abdullah signifies a crucial step in the development of hockey in the region, fostering hope and aspiration among aspiring players and promising a brighter future for the sport.