Dutch penalty corner legend Bovelander visits hockey memories in Lahore

Dutch penalty corner legend Bovelander visits hockey memories in Lahore

Asher Butt

Renowned Dutch penalty corner specialist Floris Jan Bovelander relived old memories of Pakistan hockey during his visit to the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, where he expressed his desire to see Pakistan reclaim its past hockey glory.

Bovelander, along with H.E. Henny de Vries, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, was warmly welcomed at Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy's Turf Two.

To honor Bovelander’s visit, Olympian Khawaja Junaid and the Dutch Ambassador presented him with a traditional Punjabi turban, symbolizing local culture and hospitality.

Coinciding with King’s Day in the Netherlands, Bovelander, footballer Kainat Bukhari, and the Dutch Ambassador marked the occasion by cutting a celebratory cake.

Bovelander also took to the turf to play hockey with young athletes, offering them valuable coaching insights. He engaged with different age groups, sharing essential fundamentals and mentorship on how to develop into great players.

Speaking to the media, Bovelander recalled his fond memories associated with Pakistan hockey, acknowledging its rich history and expressing hope for its resurgence.

“Hard work and patience are essential to bring Pakistan hockey back to the top. The talent is there—it just needs the right direction and support,” he stated.

The visit also saw contributions from Lahore Qalandars’ COO Atif Rana and DIG Mehboobullah, both of whom expressed their readiness to play a role in promoting hockey at the grassroots level.

Impressed by the hospitality and enthusiasm in Pakistan, Floris Bovelander pledged future collaboration with the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy, signaling potential development initiatives aimed at reviving Pakistan’s hockey prominence.

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