ISLAMABAD: Netherlands Ambassador Henry de Vries hosted a reception to commemorate the visit of the Oldenzaal Dutch hocl(ey 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 Pal(istan 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, `Hocl(ey holds a special place in the hearts ofboth the Dutch and Pal(istani people, and this weel(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 Hocl(ey Academy for their hospitality. The academy works with over 400 underprivileged youth in Pal(istan, 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 hocl(ey enthusiasts.

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

Dr Mul(htar Ahmed, chairman HEC, said, `It is important to engage our youth in sports because healthy minds are oroductive minds. The more our vouth eniov cricket andhockey and squash and other games tl e 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 lil(e to thank the HEC chairman who has supported us.

Naveed Minhas, one of the players visiting from Oldenzaalse Hocl(ey Club Bully said, `This is a very nice experience to be in Pakistan as I have the Pal(istani and Dutch nationalities and for us it is a very big honour to bring my teammates to Pal(istan.

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 Pal(istan.

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 Pal(istan and Holland.

Ruben Kattie, Captain OHC Bully, said, `We havehad 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 thanl(s to Junaid`s Hockey Academy and we have visited these fields, a factory, Wagah border, played two crazy hocl(ey matches in the Lahore Hocl(ey 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 Pal(istan.

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