Oman hockey: PIA, Oman produce thrilling hockey at Independence Cup exhibition match

Muscat: The visiting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) team and Oman national squad produced thrilling hockey at the Independence Cup exhibition match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Tuesday night.
The Pakistan Social Club (PSC) organised the match in co-operation with Muscat Beach Trading and Oman Hockey Association (OHA) as part of PSC’s celebrations to mark the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan.
As expected both the PIA and Oman teams played attacking and attractive hockey to entertain a large gathering of hockey lovers though it was the visitors who outlasted the hosts to take the day’s honours after a penalty shootout.
However, it was the young Omani talents who dictated the terms with a dominant display to take a 3-1 lead after the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of first half.
But the experienced PIA team fought back brilliantly to level the scores and take the match into the tie-break.
The evening’s proceedings as well as an impressive presentation ceremony were attended by Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Redha bin Juma Al Saleh, vice-chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce, Ali Javed, Ambassador of Pakistan, Mian Mohammed Munir, Chairman PSC, Adnan Shahzad, Chairman BOD of Pakistan Schools, Aslam Nawab of Muscat Beach Trading, and chief coordinator Syed Aftab Gilani.
Meanwhile, the PSC said ‘Muscat Beach Trading and their team of dedicated workers put in their best to put up a grand show ever organised by the community in the past’.
The PSM students added colour to the opening ceremony. The venue was beautifully decorated with flags of Oman and Pakistan, and banners of the sponsoring companies -- Habib Bank, PIA, Mian Mohammed Riaz & Partners, Oasis Water, Haveki Restaurant, Bright Travels, Royal Holidays and OPN.
The organisers thanked the Oman Hockey Association, Ministry of Sports Affairs, ROP, PSC, PSM, sponsors and team of dedicated volunteers.