Pakistan women's team to participate in Surjit Hockey tourney

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has granted visa to the Pakistan women's team to take part in the Surjit Hockey tournament to be played here from October 9 to 18.
However, their male counterparts are yet to get visa clearance for the event.
Hafiz Atif Malik, an international umpire from Lahore, will be officiating in the matches after he received his visa from the Indian High Commission yesterday.
"Atif Malik, who recently returned to Lahore after umpiring in the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup at Malaysia has been granted visa by the Indian authorities to officiate in the tournament," said Iqbal Singh Sandhu, organising secretary of the tournament and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Jalandhar-I.

"In the last edition of the tournament, Atif's umpiring was excellent in all the matches given to him. We are waiting for the Pakistan men's team to get the visa," he added.
As many as 16 teams including holders Indian Oil, Mumbai and runners-up Bharat Petroleum, Mumbai will participate in the tournament.
Other teams include Punjab & Sind Bank Delhi, Border Security Force (BSF), Bharat Petroleum, Mumbai, Punjab National Bank, Delhi, Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), Delhi, Cops of Signal, Army-XI, Mumbai-XI, Indian Air Force, Delhi, Indian Navy, Mumbai, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, Punjab Police, Indian Overseas Bank, Bangaluru and Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL), Patiala.

This year, total prize money has been enhanced from Rs 6.25 lakh to Rs 7.75 lakh.