Many thought Shakeel Abbasi’s career was over after Pakistan’s disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign when the need finished bottom in the event.
However, after grabbing vital goals as well as the player-of-the-tournament award in the Champions Trophy, Abbasi has realised he still has the legs, and the shelf-life, to go on and be part of the 2016 Rio Olympics squad.
Not paying attention to the criticism hurled at him after a poor individual and team performance, Abbasi said his focus on hard work and striving for improvement kept him going. The veteran termed his individual performance in Melbourne a boost for his wilting career.
“I knew that I could deliver the goods for the team,” Abbasi told The Express Tribune after the team’s return. “People said a lot of things about me but I never paid any attention and continued to work on my fitness. I am 100% fit and can be compared with any youngster in the side. And that’s why I have no plans of retiring in the near future.
“In fact, I am targeting the 2014 World Cup as well as the 2016 Olympics. I don’t want to be pushed out. The day I feel I am a burden on the team, I will step away from the sport.”
‘Hard work paid dividends’
Meanwhile, Abbasi, while speaking on the Champions Trophy performance, said it was a huge achievement by the team to grab bronze against all hopes.
“We also played with a lot of youngsters like other teams. Before the tournament, nobody gave us a chance. There was no support from anywhere and everybody predicted a poor outing for the team. However, bagging a medal in the tournament after eight years under such circumstances was never easy.”
However, the former captain said there was no room for complacency now.
“A lot has been said about regaining lost glory following the podium finish. I feel the bronze was just a small step towards that goal and we need work hard to become a global force like we were in the past.”
Abbasi also hoped that progress will be a norm under current coaches Akhtar Rasool and Hanif Khan.
“Personally, I feel the positive attitude in the team has come due to these coaches. We have improved in attack due to Hanif bhai while improvement in our defence and midfield is courtesy Akhtar bhai’s guidance.”
Abbasi wants to see improvement for Asian event
Meanwhile, Abbasi termed the forthcoming Asian Champions Trophy another tough tournament for his side which starts its campaign on December 20.
“We’ll have to show a lot of improvement. There will be a lot of expectations on our shoulders after the bronze medal. We will have to work very hard to meet those expectations.”
However, Abbasi downplayed the notion that team will face burn-out in the event after playing back-to-back events in Australia including the 9-a-side event.
“We are professionals and I hope it won’t be an issue.”
The Asian Champions Trophy will be played in Doha from December 20 to 27 in which arch-rivals India will be the main competitor. Pakistan lost to India in last year’s final after topping the standings in the round-robin.
Pakistan’s matches
December 20
vs Japan
December 21
vs India
December 22
vs Malaysia
December 24
vs China
December 26
vs Oman
December 27
Classification matches
Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2012.
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Shakeel Abbasi is not naturally gifted in terms of size and speed; everything He did and doing in hockey He worked for, and that's the way He'll be as a player for more seasons. I watch a lot of hockey. There are some good hockey players and there are some awfully stupid hockey players. Abbasi Show he is real man that give the action to match. ,