Dutch Hockey Legend Floris Jan Bovelander and Footballer Kayanat Bokhari to Visit Pakistan

Islamabad: The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pakistan is thrilled to announce the upcoming visit of two prominent Dutch sports personalities, Floris Jan Bovelander and Kayanat Bokhari, at the end of April 2025. This announcement is made in celebration/recognition of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), observed annually on April 6th, which highlights the power of sports in fostering peace, development, and inclusion.
 

Olympian Floris Jan Bovelander, a hockey legend renowned for his penalty corner expertise, was a key player in the Netherlands team that famously defeated Pakistan in the final of the 1990 Hockey World Cup held in Lahore. His visit will celebrate the shared love for hockey and history between the two nations while inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence in sports.
 
Joining him will be Kayanat Bokhari, a Dutch-Pakistani footballer who represents Pakistan at the international level.

Kayanat has been a passionate advocate for promoting women’s football and aims to showcase Pakistan’s talent on the global stage. Her participation will further emphasize the role of sports in empowering women and fostering inclusivity.
 
During their visit, both sports icons will engage with local communities, youth, athletes, and organizations to share their experiences and highlight how sports can serve as a bridge between cultures.

This initiative aligns with this year’s IDSDP theme, “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” emphasizing sport as a unifying force that transcends boundaries.
 

The Embassy looks forward to welcoming Floris Jan Bovelander and Kayanat Bokhari later this month and invites all stakeholders to join this celebration of sports diplomacy. For further details about their visit or media inquiries, please contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Islamabad.