The Pakistan hockey team received a hero’s welcome when they arrived in Lahore on Sunday after their silver medal in the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy.
Pakistan remained unbeaten on the way to the final, but missed a chance when they trailed Japan in the final and lost their place in the penalty shootout.
Japan took the lead but Roelant Oltmans team came back strongly with two goals in three minutes, only to destroy their advantage before falling in the shootout.
When the team arrived in Lahore, the silver medalists were greeted by a large crowd at the airport, where flowers and garlands were presented.
Some fans were seen carrying banners and placards congratulating the team for their success against all odds.
After the team’s return, Prime Minister’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashud Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan’s youth have reconnected with the national sport because of the performance of the hockey team.
“We lost the match on penalty kicks, but this boy did not lose,” he said, adding that the future of sports has been revived in the country.
“The Government of Pakistan will support them in the upcoming events and the Prime Minister has invited them to the PM House. Their services and efforts will be evaluated and rewarded accordingly,” he said.
