Pakistan play India today in Azlan Shah Cup

The Malaysian city of Ipoh is going to host the biggest match of the Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament 2011 on Wednesday when Pakistan will take on India in a must-win match. India have had a good run of form and fortunes against Pakistan in recent times as the Green Shirts have lost four matches on the trot played between the bitter arch-rivals.

However, absence of drag-flicker Sandeep Singh will dent India’s chances in this particular match while Pakistan are looking to come back on winning ways after losing two matches on the trot in the competition.  Muhammad Imran, skipper Pakistan, while talking to reporters here Tuesday said that his team was determined to turn the tables against India. He said, “We are fully confident of breaking the jinx against India this time. The 5-1 loss against Australia will not hamper our performance. Tomorrow is the rest day and we will assess our mistakes and will do the best against them”.

Talking about the pressure, Muhammad Imran said, “Naturally there will be pressure. There is pressure in any India-Pakistan match. But it is wrong to say that they have an upper hand because of previous four wins. This is new match and what matters is the performance on that day”.

 

Red Cross urges the haves to contribute for downtrodden

The Red Cross Society of Pakistan’s Punjab chapter on Monday held a ceremony in connection with the International Red Crescent Day and the Thalassemia Day at its regional office. Vice Chairman Fareeduddin Ahmad was the chief guest. Addressing the participants, Ahmad said Rs 2.2 million would be spent on the provision of free treatment to the child patients of Thalassemia in 2011. He urged the volunteers to make sizable contributions to support the downtrodden, especially the kids confronted by challenges linked to such adversities as natural disasters and diseases. Dr Shaukat Ali in his address said, “The concept of serving the deprived people was set by our Holy Prophet (PBUH) fourteen hundred years ago”. He also maintained that a special youth force comprising some 5000 individuals would also be formulated to work voluntarily in case of natural disasters like earthquake and flood etc. The youth would be properly trained to deal with the catastrophes, he added.