KARACHI: Pakistan’s junior hockey team gave substance to Pakistan Hockey Federation chief selector Islahuddin’s words about their expected performance, finishing last in the six-nation Sultan of Johor Cup tournament at Johor Baru, Malaysia.
At the time of the young team’s departure, the legendary forward had analysed that it would take around four years for the newly-selected squad to deliver noticeable results. The prediction bore fruit as the Greenshirts failed to win any of their matches and drew two at the International Hockey Federation sanctioned event.
After a string of poor performances, Pakistan rounded off their poor campaign with a 3-1 loss on Sunday against hosts Malaysia in the fifth-place playoff.
Earlier, the colts had opened their account with a 5-0 defeat at the hands of debutants Great Britain, followed by a 1-1 draw with Australia, a 6-0 thrashing by arch-rivals India, a discouraging 3-2 loss against New Zealand and a 2-2 tie in their final league match with Malaysia.
In the end, Pakistan wrapped up their campaign with just two points and a total of six goals.
The result was poorer than anticipated, considering the team had the service of Pakistan’s top two junior players; forward Nohaiz Zahid Malik was leading the squad along with deputy Muhammad Atiq. Additionally, the squad included Mubashir Ali, Muhammad Azfar Yaqoob and Muhammad Bilal Mehmood who took part in the Youth Olympics at Nanjing, China.
No concrete plans for 2016: Hassan
According to head coach Manzoorul Hassan, the national team comprised inexperienced U19 players, while all the other countries were playing with skilled U21 players.
He added that the team management has not set any targets for the 2016 World Cup as of now since the squad lacks relevant exposure.
“The Sultan of Johor Cup was the first tournament before the mega event in India and they began training only nine days prior to their departure to Malaysia,” said Hassan.
“If they had played a few friendlies against the Pakistan senior team, or had played any league or national matches as a team, the results would have been much better.”
Meanwhile, Australia secured the bronze medal yesterday, defeating New Zealand 6-2 in the third-place playoff.
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Lol, though Pakistan had the youngest team, India had the 2nd youngest team.... stop your excuses dear Pakistan.
And India wins the Cup!! All is not lost for Asian Hockey.
Cheers!!!