PHF content with junior players’ performance

Hockey team finished at third place in Asia Cup.

LAHORE:

The Pakistan junior team may have failed to defend their Junior Asia Cup title in Singapore but the country’s federation said that the performance was satisfactory and that it had no intention of changing the management.

Pakistan, the top scoring side in the tournament, lost to South Korea 2-1 in the semi-final but won their playoff match to finish third in the tournament.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials, though dismayed, admitted that they would instead motivate the young side ahead of their upcoming assignments.

“Obviously the result is disappointing,” PHF General Secretary Asif Bajwa told The Express Tribune. “But I’m calm keeping in view our long-term agenda of qualifying for the Junior World Cup.

“I don’t think they performed badly. It was a tough game against a tough side,” added Bajwa. “Every member showed true strength of character but I believe they are still developing. They need more time and exposure to mature.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2011.