KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team management has said that they will be hit hard by the absence of drag-flick specialist Sohail Abbas as they embark on the Europe tour. Pakistan assistant coach Ahmed Alam said, “Abbas is a sort of player who is a threat to any top opposition. After all he is a world record holder for scoring most goals.”
Alam added that the seasoned player should have informed the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) about his unavailability for the trainin camp.
“Team management and the PHF are all working for revival of our national sport but such things harm the progress,” said the assistant coach while pointing out Abbas’ absence that led to his exclusion from the team.
Alam, however said that this would be a good opportunity for the younger players to impress.
Meanwhile, captain Zeeshan Ashraf said that he wanted to put aside the bitter memories of the World Cup and aims to put the team back on track with a successful tour of Europe as the team leaves for Barcelona today.
Ashraf, who was rested for the Azlan Shah Cup after the World Cup where Pakistan finished last, said, “We have learnt from our mistakes and the players are now ready to give their best in the assignments including the Asian Games,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.
Pakistan play a three-match series against Spain before meeting the Netherlands for an equal number of matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 7th, 2010.
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