KARACHI:
As Pakistan resurgence continues on the hockey field after a dismal nine months last year, the eyes are now set firmly on the Olympics after a decent performance in the Azlan Shah Cup that followed an Asian Games gold last November.
Pakistan lost 3-2 in the final against Australia courtesy a golden goal that sealed the win for the world champions. However, the performance of the Greenshirts was widely acknowledged after they came close to lifting the title. They beat New Zealand, Malaysia, India and South Korea while losing to Australia and Great Britian on their way to the final.
‘Team doing well’
Mohammad Imran, who was named captain after Zeeshan Ashraf opted to skip the tournament, termed his team’s campaign in the tournament as successful.
“I’m happy with the performance,” said Imran. “It was a good tournament for us and prepared us well for the future.”
Imran added his team was gearing up for next year’s London Olympics and the Champions Trophy at the end of this year. “The team’s performance shows we’re on the right track. We will be countering Australia and Great Britain in the Champions Trophy and playing against them in Malaysia will definitely help us in London.”
Penalty-corner expert and world-record holder Sohail Abbas backed seniors to help Pakistan grab further laurels.
“The team displayed a good show against Australia in the final which is a good sign,” he said. “There is no age limit in hockey, only fitness counts. As far as the player is fit he can play at top level.”
‘Outcome result of a team effort’
Team manager Khwaja Junaid credited the positive result on team effort. “We played the final because of team effort,” said the Olympian while adding that the blend of youth and experience was working well for the team. “The players have developed a good understanding. If they maintain their fitness and continue to improve then we have a very good chance in the Olympics.”
‘Flying horse’ hails Greenshirts
Former captain Samiullah Khan was impressed by the good show of the team.
“It was good to see the national team performing well,” said the Olympian also known as the ‘Flying horse’. “The team’s performance was good especially in the final against Australia. I was not expecting such a fine show by the players. I hope the team would continue its momentum in the Champions Trophy and the Olympics.”
However, another Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh felt the team needed improvement to get the desired results. “Pakistan badly require improvement in defence and attack to cope with the best sides which we will face in high-profile events.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 19th, 2011.
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