‘Heuvel to return on February 2’

Pakistan Hockey Federation says coach Michel van dan Heuvel resume his duties with the national team this week.

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey coach Michel van dan Heuvel will return on February 2 to resume his duties with the national team. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said that the coach will meet the body’s president Qasim Zia and the secretary Asif Bajwa after his arrival.

“The federation wants Heuvel to continue as coach till the London Olympics and his contract will be discussed following his arrival,” said the PHF official.

The Dutch, on various occasions following the Greenshirts’ gold medal triumph at the Asian Games, raised doubts on his safety and hinted he may not re-join the Pakistan team.

However, the official said he has agreed to return after the federation assured him of removing his concerns. “Heuvel had some concerns which will be removed after he arrives.”

The coach is expected to watch the National Hockey Championship underway in Faisalabad. However, the schedule of the team’s training camp which would be held under his supervision, is yet to be announced.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2011.