Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf announced a cash prize of Rs two million (US $33,580 approx) to hockey player Sohail Abbas after the penalty-corner ace became the game's highest goal scorer.
Musharraf, who also congratulated the Pakistan hockey team for registering a 4-2 series triumph over India, will hand over the cash prize to Sohail at a formal ceremony, expected to be held soon.
Sohail achieved the feat in the seventh Test against India in Amritsar last week when he scored with a drag flick to surge ahead of Dutchman Paul Litjens's record 267 goals.
Appreciating the performance of Sohail, Musharraf said, the player's "scintillating form has been a major factor in the team's success" in recent times.
Musharraf expressed hope that the Pakistani team would maintain its winning streak and earn more laurels for the country in future.
Sohail said the award will not only encourage him to scale new heights, but also spur other hockey players of the country as well.
"The reward announced by the President General Pervez Musharraf is very encouraging and it is a good beginning. It will prove beneficial for the players and the game of hockey. The announcement will encourage the new players," Sohail he said.
