Problems for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) seem to be compounding as in addition to deciding the fate of players taking part in the unsanctioned World Series Hockey (WSH), the absence of head coach Michel van dan Heuvel from the training camp is hindering preparations for the London Olympics.
It has been learnt that the Dutch has decided against joining the training camp underway in Lahore since last month, following differences with the PHF.
An official close to the matter said the issue arose after Heuvel questioned the team’s poor show in the Champions Trophy last year in addition to the PHF announcing the probables for the Olympics without taking input from the coach.
“Ignoring his input in selecting the probables made the situation worse,” the official told The Express Tribune. “He’s not attending the camp in protest and till now no one in the PHF is aware about his arrival.”
Contrasting statements raise doubts
Meanwhile, the PHF denied that there were any issues with the coach. However, contrasting statements from PHF officials raised doubts.
While PHF Secretary Asif Bajwa reportedly said that Heuvel was not present at the camp due to family commitments, team manager Khwaja Junaid gave a different version.
“Heuvel is undergoing tooth treatment,” said Junaid. “He may miss the first phase but I’m sure he will supervise the second that starts after March 25.
“The camp is going smoothly and is not affected by his absence.”
Coach-less preparations: Samiullah
Meanwhile, legendary Olympian Samiullah Khan has lashed out at the PHF for their ‘flawed’ handling of the situation.
“All the other participating teams have finalised their preparations for the Olympics,” said the Olympian known as the ‘Flying Horse’.
“But we’re still resolving our issues like the WSH and the coach’s absence.”
The former captain also rubbished claims of preparations being unaffected due to Heuvel’s absence, saying that the coach has an important role to play.
“Preparing without a coach mean it’s going nowhere. He’s been with the team for two years and a sudden change in supervisor [manager] of the camp will definitely affect the training.
“And if everything’s fine without him, then why are we spending millions on a foreign coach?”
Samiullah stressed that the PHF needed to mend its ways since the sudden change could prove to be disastrous for the country’s chances at the Olympics — with hockey being the only discipline Pakistan has so far confirmed its berth in.
Uncertainty among players
Meanwhile, a player attending the camp said there was uncertainty due to a pending decision over Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt after the two players left to play in the WSH.
Both players are among the probables named for the London Olympics and are featuring in the WSH despite the PHF’s warning of imposing life-bans on such players. “Many players are giving half-hearted efforts and the coach’s absence is also a concern,” said the player.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2012.
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