Saifullah Ansar
RAWALPINDI, AUG 17 /DNA/ – The Rising Stars Hockey Club organized an Independence Day Hockey match at the Shehnaz Sheikh Hockey Stadium Rawalpindi, marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day with a spirited display of sportsmanship, and international friendship. The much-anticipated exhibition match was contested between Rising Stars White and Rising Stars Green, with Rising Stars White emerging victorious by 3-1.
The event carried a special charm as it featured diplomats, young players, and budding female athletes on the same field. Neil Hawkins, High Commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, donned the Rising Stars Green jersey, while Kamal Ahmed, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, represented Rising Stars White. Their participation not only energized the crowd but also highlighted the growing role of sports diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people ties.
The match began with fast-paced action from both sides, with Rising Stars Green pressing hard in the opening minutes. However, Rising Stars White quickly found their rhythm and took the lead midway through the first half. Despite a strong fightback from the Green side, including a penalty corner conversion, the White side proved too strong, scoring two more goals to seal the 3-1 victory.
A special feature of the Independence Day Cup was the participation of female players from the Rising Stars Girls Hockey Academy, who were given the opportunity to showcase their talent alongside senior players. Their involvement drew wide appreciation from the spectators, who applauded the club’s efforts in encouraging women’s participation in hockey.
Following the match, both high commissioners and Deputy Head of Mission of the Romanian Embassy Eduard Preda, along with players of the two teams, gathered to cut a cake, symbolically marking the Independence Day celebrations. In their remarks, Neil Hawkins and Kamal Ahmed lauded the Rising Stars Hockey Club for organizing the event with such enthusiasm and inclusivity. They praised the management for creating a platform where youth, diplomats, and female players could come together in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“This was more than just a match; it was an occasion to celebrate Pakistan’s independence, promote hockey, and build bridges of friendship,” said Kamal Ahmed. Neil Hawkins echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that such initiatives reflect the true spirit of unity and celebration.
The Independence Day Hockey match concluded with cheers, photographs, and renewed commitment to promoting hockey at the grassroots level.=DNA
