KARACHI, 25 May 2003 — Pakistani and Indian hockey teams will face each other in two hockey tournaments in Australia next week, their first sporting encounter since peace moves between the two South Asian nuclear rivals began last month.
Hockey team coach Shahnaz Shaikh said yesterday his players will act as ambassadors of peace during their two matches against arch rivals India in the twin tournaments in Australia.
“We are ambassadors of peace and hope Indian players will also reciprocate to promote peace through sports,” Shaikh told AFP before the team’s departure for Australia. Pakistan and India play twice in two three-nation hockey tournaments in Perth and Sydney next week.their first sporting contact since April’s surprise peace overtures between the two South Asian rivals.
“On the field, aggression will remain there, but off the field we will do our best to convey that both countries can start the march toward peace beneficial for billions of people,” said Shaikh, a former Olympian.
Pakistan and India play on May 29 in the first of two tournaments in Perth, also competed in by Australia’s national team and Australia “A.”
The second tournament starts in Sydney on June 4. India has severed sporting links with Pakistan, boycotting bilateral sporting series, but allowing its teams to feature in multi-national events.
