Exciting hockey in store as PIA take on Oman tonight

Muscat: The stage is set for a riveting game of hockey as Pakistan International Airlines squad arrived on Monday to take on Oman National Team in an exhibition game to mark Pakistan's 70th Independence Day celebrations at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Stadium Tuesday night.
The star-studded 18-member PIA team has six Pakistan national team players and is managed by the legendary goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan.
The team was received at the airport by Shahzad Paracha, PIA Manager Oman, Syed Asghar Zaidi, PIA Station Manager, Syed Aftab Gilani, chief event coordinator, Mohsin Javed and Azra Aleem.
Rashad bin Ahmed Al Hinai, Undersecretary, Ministry of Sports Affairs, will be the chief guest. Redha bin Juma Al Saleh, deputy chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ali Javed, Ambassador of Pakistan, will be the guests of honor.
The match, being organised by Muscat Beach Trading in association with Pakistan Social Club, is expected to herald a new era of sporting ties between the two brotherly countries after a gap of over two decades. Oman used to host top Pakistani cricket, hockey, squash and kabaddi teams on a regular basis.
"We felt the need to revive Pak-Oman sports ties and what better occasion to do so than our country's Independence Day celebrations. We are sure this exhibition match between the two top teams will pave the way for increased interaction in the arena of sports," said Aftab Gilani while talking to Times Sport on Monday.
Moved by the overwhelming support from various quarters, the organisers are making efforts to ensure the occasion reflects the celebratory mood of the large Pakistani community in Oman.
"Spectators will be able to feel the mood to celebrate and PSM students will enthrall them with their cultural performances. We welcome all sports lovers in Oman as the entry to the event is absolutely free," Gilani added.
The match is scheduled to start at 7 pm.