‘Ashraf will be missed in Malaysia’
Manager says hockey team looking to win Azlan Shah Cup.
KARACHI:
Pakistan hockey team manager Khwaja Junaid believes the national team will miss the experience and leadership of Zeeshan Ashraf in next month’s Azlan Shah Cup.
Ashraf, who led Pakistan to the Asian Games triumph last November, withdrew from the tournament in Malaysia to give opportunities to youngsters. Junaid welcomed Ashraf’s decision but said his absence will be felt.
“It was a commendable step from Ashraf,” Junaid told The Express Tribune. “But as far as the team is concerned he’ll definitely be missed.
“He has experience and was the captain for quite a long time. It won’t be possible to find his immediate replacement.”
However, the manager saw Ashraf’s absence as an opportunity to discover gifted younger players.
“Our performance might be affected but we may find a talented youngster. Senior players will be replaced by youngsters one day.”
First phase of training camp concludes
Meanwhile, the first phase of the training camp for the Azlan Shah Cup concluded yesterday at the Naseer Bunda Stadium in Islamabad.
According to the manager, the opening phase mainly focused on improving the players’ fitness.
“It was a productive phase in which players were given training with focus on their fitness. The positive thing was that they didn’t show any signs of rustiness. The team is still on a high after the Asian Games’ success and is working hard with another title victory in mind.”
The second phase of the camp will start on April 19 during which the team will be announced following trials.
However, before the second phase starts, players will undergo individual training for four days.
“Before the second phase of the camp starts, the players will reassemble on April 15 for individual training which will mainly include physical exercises,” said Junaid.
Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Germany, India and Malaysia will be taking part in the competition that starts from May 5.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2011.
Pakistan hockey team manager Khwaja Junaid believes the national team will miss the experience and leadership of Zeeshan Ashraf in next month’s Azlan Shah Cup.
Ashraf, who led Pakistan to the Asian Games triumph last November, withdrew from the tournament in Malaysia to give opportunities to youngsters. Junaid welcomed Ashraf’s decision but said his absence will be felt.
“It was a commendable step from Ashraf,” Junaid told The Express Tribune. “But as far as the team is concerned he’ll definitely be missed.
“He has experience and was the captain for quite a long time. It won’t be possible to find his immediate replacement.”
However, the manager saw Ashraf’s absence as an opportunity to discover gifted younger players.
“Our performance might be affected but we may find a talented youngster. Senior players will be replaced by youngsters one day.”
First phase of training camp concludes
Meanwhile, the first phase of the training camp for the Azlan Shah Cup concluded yesterday at the Naseer Bunda Stadium in Islamabad.
According to the manager, the opening phase mainly focused on improving the players’ fitness.
“It was a productive phase in which players were given training with focus on their fitness. The positive thing was that they didn’t show any signs of rustiness. The team is still on a high after the Asian Games’ success and is working hard with another title victory in mind.”
The second phase of the camp will start on April 19 during which the team will be announced following trials.
However, before the second phase starts, players will undergo individual training for four days.
“Before the second phase of the camp starts, the players will reassemble on April 15 for individual training which will mainly include physical exercises,” said Junaid.
Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Germany, India and Malaysia will be taking part in the competition that starts from May 5.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2011.