Team manager resigns after Pakistan's dismal Hockey World Cup outing

Sardar says team's performance was not that bad, will submit his report soon

LAHORE: Pakistan's team manager Hasan Sardar resigned from his post following team's dismal, win-less performance in the recently concluded Hockey World Cup.

Pakistan were kicked out of the tournament by a dominant Belgium team after a 5-0 thrashing in the cross-over match.

Earlier, Pakistan lost 1-0 to Germany, drew 1-1 against Malaysia and then faced a 5-1 humiliation at the hands of the Netherlands in their group D.

Goal difference helped them enter pre-quarter-finals, but just to add more woe to their misery.

Sardar, however, was all praiseful of Pakistan team, saying "their overall performance was not that bad".

"We could've scored on a lot of occasions, but we missed those chances. I will soon submit my report which will comprise of suggestions to improve the state of hockey in Pakistan," he told Express.

He further suggested some changes, which included "replacing some old players with new ones".

Sardar was also of the opinion that both Pakistan senior and junior teams need foreign coaches to become better.

Earlier, Touqeer Dar resigned from the head coach role citing Pakistan's unbeaten outing at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation president Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has ordered an investigation into the Hockey World Cup debacle.

The four-man investigating commission put in place by the PHF president will prepare a performance report of the team in the World Cup, and it will also report on the downfall of hockey in general.