China to play hockey series in Pakistan

Pakistan will welcome the Chinese hockey team for a four-match series this month, keen to encourage international sport back to the terror-hit country, an official said on Monday. Foreign teams have avoided Pakistan since gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in March 2009, killing eight people and wounding seven visiting players and their assistant coach. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said the Chinese tour was significant.“It will help in resuming international hockey ties on Pakistani soil and we eagerly look forward to it,” said secretary Asif Bajwa.The PHF said it had requested water-tight security. China will play their opening match in Karachi on Dec.21, with further matches in Karachi on Dec.22, Faisalabad on Dec.24 and Lahore on Dec.25.