Harpal Singh Bedi / Bhubaneswar
Pakistan Hockey team manager and former Olympian Hassan Sardar on Monday admitted that capital of Odisha was indeed a well kept secret and he and other members of the team who are visiting the city for the first time are pleasantly surprised.
“We never could imagine that Bhubaneswar will have such a impressive and world class infrastructure” he told people at the Fan park inside the Kalinga Sports complex.
When first time I came to know that Bhubaneswar, will host the World Cup, I had my apprehension , but” what a surprise, apart from World class structure, it is a very clean city and people are so nice that I don’t have words to thank them”
Hassan Sardar also profusely thanked the local police and the DGP “ for extending such a warm welcome. We have been so well taken care of in this beautiful city. “
Fans were up for a big treat when @PHFOfficial contingent arrived at the OHMWC Bhubaneswar 2018 Fan Village on the evening of 4th December. They were given a warm welcome with heavy drum beats.#IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/OkQMGjNUdz
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 3, 2018
He recalled his several visit to India saying “Whenever I come to India, the 1982 visit to Mumbai gets reminded. It was a lucky World Cup for me. Bombay, Mumbai now, we defeated Germany in the final. Though India did not win it. The people supported us. It was indeed a overwhelming experience for us”
“Then at 1982 Asian Games, I became good friends with Rajiv Gandhi. He was made in- charge of the Games and told by his mother that it was his first mission. Rajiv told us”.
“When we go back, we will tell the people in Pakistan about the love and affection you have showered on us. We will not forget this” he said adding “We have been getting same love over all these years. For that, on behalf of my team, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. “