Pakistan-Dutch community, under the patronage of Pakistan Ambassador, organized 22nd Pakistan Ambassador Hockey Trophy on Friday 25 June 2010. The tournament was played between the teams of Dutch Parliament, Dutch Foreign Office, and the Pakistani-Dutch Community. Many sitting members of the Parliament and senior officials of the Foreign Office played the tournament, which was won by the Foreign Office XI. 

The Pakistan Ambassador Hockey Tournament is more than a sporting event; it is a tool to foster friendship, understanding, fellow-feeling between the peoples of Pakistan and the Netherlands. Through sports especially hockey which is a shared passion between Pakistan and the Netherlands, the Embassy and the Pakistani Dutch community endeavored to bring communities living in the Netherlands together.

This hallowed tradition was initiated around twenty two years ago. Last year, the Embassy revitalized this glorious tradition. 

Foreign Minister of Netherlands, Mr Varhagen sent a supportive message noting that such traditions strengthen ties between  the Pakistani community in the Netherlands  and the Dutch. President of Dutch Parliament Ms. Gerdi A Verbeet also sent an inspiring message which noted the contribution that the Tournament was making in bringing people together and serving as an opportunity to become familiar with different cultures. 

Ed Kronenburg, Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Jan Albers, President of KNHB (Dutch Hockey Board), Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh and Mr Smits, Deputy Mayors of The Hague, and Mr. Tom de Bruin, Dutch Ambassador to the EU, attended the tournament and joined the Ambassador in the bully for the three matches. Dutch Parliament was represented by Mr. Stefblok, Member of Parliament, who also led his team, which included many parliamentarians. These dignitaries also attended the dinner hosted by the Ambassador later at his residence. 

This year’s tournament was won by Foreign Office XI. Ms Anna Hoek  was declared Woman of the Tournament and won two return tickets to Istanbul  provided by PIA. 

The event was organized with support from several sponsors, including PIA (Mr Feyaz Shah), Super Toko (Mr Firdausi), Royal Textiel (Mr Jameel Ahmad), Mr. Mushtaq Ghumman (Rehmat Foundation), Habib Bank Rotterdam (Mr. Nawaz Cheema), Basnoe Reisbureau (Hussain Basnoe), C.H. Sports (Ch. Yousaf)  . 

Pakistani ambassador, Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry addressed all players and spectators who had gathered in large number in the lush green Klein Zwisterland. The participants appreciated the excellent arrangements made for this year’s tournament which included new improvements such as professionally designed booklet and Tournament logo, complimentary drinks and snacks by the Embassy and attractive gifts/souvenirs for the sponsors and players etc. Captains of the teams and the dignitaries attending the tournament noted that such events bring Pakistani and Dutch communities closer and promote the positive image of Pakistan.