Islamabad Henny de Vries, the Netherlands’ ambassador, hosted a reception for the Dutch hockey club and the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy at her apartment on Thursday.
The Dutch Bully Hockey Club is now in Pakistan, playing hockey against local teams.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan’s legendary hockey players Shehbaz senior, Khawja Junaid, German Ambassador Alfred Grannas, and Zamurd Khan all attended the occasion.
In her welcome address, Ambassador Henny emphasized the importance of sports diplomacy in developing international ties and building bridges between nations.
This historic visit is significant culturally and athletically because the team from Oldenzaal, Netherlands, is the first hockey team to visit and participate against a Pakistani team in over 22 years, she said.
She stated, “Hockey has a special place in the hearts of both the Dutch and Pakistani people, and it demonstrates the power of sports in bridging cultures and fostering understanding.” The matches in Lahore, as well as the upcoming games in Islamabad on Friday (today), not only demonstrated our athletes’ skill and ability, but also provided a platform for cultural exchange and mutual admiration.
The ambassador thanked Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy for inviting the club and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for their essential support. The participation of such powerful figures from the media, sports, and diplomatic communities demonstrated the community’s commitment to using sports as a tool for improving international relations.
Through initiatives like these, the Dutch Ambassador demonstrated his determination to continue using sports to develop mutual understanding and goodwill between the Netherlands and Pakistan.
The event was attended by distinguished guests such as media representatives, sports figures, diplomats, and other stakeholders dedicated to promoting sports and international collaboration.
“The visit marks a significant historical moment. The team from Oldenzaal in the Netherlands is the first hockey team to visit and play against a Pakistani team in 22 years,” she said, adding that “our love of sports, particularly hockey, or field hockey as some of our international colleagues here refer to it, is just one of our similarities.”
The Dutch hockey team had a comprehensive itinerary in Lahore, including matches, training, cultural tours, and visits to sports manufacturers.
The squad even had the opportunity to interact with Pakistani cricket players and attend a Pakistan Super League match.
“As ambassador of the Netherlands, I am devoted to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in sports, culture, and other areas. “I truly believe that sports are an excellent tool for fostering goodwill and long-lasting friendships between nations,” she stated.
Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed believed that such visits by hockey teams would continue and Pakistan would reclaim its former glory in hockey, the country’s national sport.
Khawaja Junaid thanked the Dutch envoy for inviting the Pakistani players and Dutch hockey players to her home and holding a great reception.
