Hockey: Akbar targets ‘memorable show’ at Olympics

Pakistan goalie says hockey team wants a podium finish.

LAHORE:

Pakistan goal-keeper Salman Akbar has said that the national team is all set to do well at the London Olympics, targeting a podium-finish at the event.

Akbar, 29, said that each individual in the team will be working hard to bring glory to Pakistan.

“When we step on to the turf, we stop thinking about all the controversies that may be dogging the team and only focus on doing the best for Pakistan,” Akbar told The Express Tribune. “Each member of the team is working hard and is looking forward to doing well at the Olympics. We want to do something that will be remembered for a long time, even after we’ve all given up the sport. We want to deliver a memorable show and produce good results.”

Strong defence imperative

Akbar said that he has been working on improving his game and technique but also believed that a stronger defence can make his job easier.

“Hockey is a team game and I realise that the role of the goal-keeper is an important one, but one can’t downplay the importance of a strong defence. The defenders play a vital role in how well a goal-keeper performs.

“If the defence isn’t working then there is not a lot that a goal-keeper can do. In such a situation, blaming only the goalie for conceding goals is unfair.”

Won’t play in World Series Hockey

Talking about the unsanctioned World Series Hockey (WSH) that has been postponed to February, Akbar declared that he will not be violating FIH rules in order to play at the event.

“There is nothing superior to playing for your country. Although the WSH organisers approached me, I told them that I cannot defy FIH rules and face a ban. Besides, I want to focus all my attention on the Olympics so I turned down the offer. I can only think of playing in such a league after the Olympics. Right now I’m fully focussed on playing for the national team.”

‘Not considering retirement’

Akbar went on to say that he is not thinking about hanging up his boots just yet and still has plenty to prove his critics wrong with.

“One can easily tell when it’s time to retire and I won’t delay that when I feel that it’s time to go. However, I believe I still have a lot to offer on the international level and still need to prove myself. When I feel that I’m blocking the team’s progress with my presence, I will pave the way for someone younger,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2012.