Bangalore, Aug 16 (IANS): The Pakistan Under-23 football team, here for a two-match tour, expressed confidence of putting on a good show as the visitors were accorded a warm welcome on their arrival here Saturday.
The Pakistani side is scheduled to play two friendly games against an India Under-23 team Sunday and Wednesday as part of preparations for the next month’s Asian Games in the South Korean city of Incheon.
Speaking at a media conference here Saturday, Pakistan captain Md. Kaleemullah said his team was excited to be playing against India and the players were looking forward to the two matches.
“It’s a privilege to be here. We are a young team which is being built keeping an eye on the future. We are confident of achieving a positive result,” said Kaleemullah.
Indian captain Sunil Chhetri said it was a great occasion and that it was always special to play Pakistan.
“Pakistan have always been a special team. I hope they enjoy their stay and matches during their stay in India,” said Chhetri.
In response to the felicitations, Pakistan Football Federation’s marketing consultant Sardar Naveed Haider Khan who is also heading the delegation to India said it was a great honour to be playing in Bangalore.
“This is a very exciting moment in the history of sports in India and Pakistan. It was in 2005 that India visited Pakistan to play a bilateral Series, but since then, we haven’t been able to play each other in another bilateral Series.
“This Friendly Series will help a lot in the promotion of Football in the region. We hope to make friends, both on and off the field.
“I feel there is much need for more sporting interaction between the two countries. We eagerly await the arrival of the Indian senior women’s team in November for the Women’s SAFF Championship.”
“We have been received well and haven’t faced any problems. I am very much thankful to Mr. Praful Patel and Mr. Kushal Das for their cooperation,” said Khan.
AR Khaleel, member, AIFF executive committee, did the welcoming honours at the outset and hoped that the present visit will be a forerunner to more such occasions in the future.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the Pakistan contingent to Bangalore for the Friendly Series. I thank them for coming over to play in the Garden City.
“We look forward to playing more often between us. I hope you enjoy your stay and have a wonderful time here. Sport has always helped people to bond among themselves. This is a historic moment for Indian Football. We eagerly look forward to the matches,” Khaleel said.