Zeeshan to lead Pakistan squad at Games opening ceremony

BEIJING  - Pakistan contingent are pinning their hopes for a medal in hockey event of the XXIX Olympic Games that open at a glittering ceremony at the gigantically imposing National Stadium here,  known as "Birds Nest" on Friday.

Pakistan hockey captain Zeeshan Ashraf will be leading a 35-member Pakistan contingent as flag-bearer at the march-past of the opening ceremony of the Summer Games, the first being held in China.

The Beijing Olympic Committee's Organising Committee has announced a special salute for the Pakistan contingent for their  country's grand support during the earthquake in China in May last.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is expected to be among the nearly 100 heads of states and dignitaries from across the world to attend the showpiece opening ceremony.