Pakistan-Dutch community, under the patronage of Pakistan Ambassador, organized 21st Pakistan Ambassador Hockey Cup on 3 July 2009. The tournament was played between the teams of Dutch Parliament, Dutch Foreign Office, and the Pakistan Community. Many sitting members of the Parliament and senior officials of the Foreign Office played the tournament, which was won by the Pakistan Community XI. 

Pakistan-Dutch community was pleased at the revival of this glorious tradition, which had run the risk of fading away after the death last year of its main organizer, Mr Shamsi. 

Foreign Minister of Netherlands, Mr Varhagen sent a supportive message noting that such traditions strengthen the bond between the Pakistani community and the Dutch. Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Ed Kronenburg, attended the tournament, did bully for one match with Pakistan Ambassador, and also attended the dinner hosted by Ambassador Chaudhry. Tom de Bruin, Dutch Ambassador to the EU, graced the event by attending the entire tournament and hosting one bully with Ambassador Chaudhry.

Dutch Parliament was represented by Mr. Stefblok, Member of Parliament, who also led his team and displayed wonderful hockey. Former MP Mr, Hans Hillen, who has been a regular participant of this tournament, also attended. 

This year’s tournament, which has been an annual feature since 1988, was dedicated to the memory of Late Mr Shamsi, who had selflessly endeavored to promote understanding between Pakistani and Dutch societies through sports. The family of Mr Shamsi, particularly his daughter in law, Shahzadi Shamsi, helped with the organization of the event this year, thus ensuring the continued association of the Shamsi family with the event. 

This year’s tournament was won by Pakistan community XI. Muhammad Naeem was declared Man of the Tournament and won a return ticket to Islamabad provided by PIA. Mr. Maarten van Hasselt of the Dutch Parliament won the second prize of a return ticket to Istanbul. 

The event was organized with support from several sponsors, including PIA (Mr Feyaz Shah), Super Toko (Mr Firdausi), Komfort Tours (Mr Osman Celik), Lasani restaurant (Malik Riaz), Siemens Nederland, Mr Bob de Lange, Chaudhry Amir (Perla Nera Ladies Mode), Mr Jameel Ahmad (Royal Textile), Mr Nisar Ahmad (Sohail Cosmetics), Malik Ghaffar (Malik Eastern Food BV), Haji Rukhsar (Pakistan Welfare Association), and Raja Javed Iqbal (Autorijschool Mani). 

Pakistan Dutch community was thrilled to see that this tournament has been revived and glorious tradition did not fade away. 

Such events bring Pakistani and Dutch communities closer and promote the positive image of Pakistan. Pakistani ambassador, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry addressed all players and spectators who had gathered in large number in the lush green Kleinzwisterland. His speech in Dutch language was greatly appreciated by all audience and struck a cordial chord among the Dutch parliamentarians and the foreign ministry officials.