Downplaying the impression that an abrupt change in coach will hamper the team’s chances at the London Olympics, newly-appointed head coach and manager Akhtar Rasool believed that the remaining four months will be enough for him to prepare the Greenshirts for the mega event.
The former captain, who has also served as the president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), replaced Michel van dan Heuvel after the Dutchman was sacked as head coach for breaching his contract by signing up with a club side in Holland.
The decision followed criticism from various Olympians who said that removing the coach, associated with the team for almost two years, would prove to be a setback for Pakistan’s campaign.
‘I’m not perturbed by other people’s opinions’
However, Rasool who led the team to the World Cup triumph in Mumbai three decades ago, remained confident.
“Many Olympians warned me against taking the challenge,” Rasool told The Express Tribune.
“They said it’s a big responsibility and the team has slim chances in the mega event.
“But I am not perturbed with what people are saying because there is some time left to bring about the required improvement. I am only looking forward at preparing the team for the Olympics.
“Four months are enough if you work in the right direction and utilise the available resources,” said Rasool as he recalled the 1982 World Cup win.
“We finished at an unimpressive third position in a tournament in Germany.
“After that we had four months left to prepare for the Mumbai World Cup and we availed that time well.
“The same can happen again because I’ve seen the spark in the youngsters who were training in the camp.”
‘Plan being finalised’
The chief coach hinted at making few changes as the team gears up for the London event.
“We are likely to host an international event including India and Malaysia. Then we will play the Azlan Shah Cup in May before the Olympics. We will also conduct several training camps and will finalise the plan shortly.
“All I’m looking forward to is to impart my 40 years worth of experience to the youngsters and hopefully the team will get the desired results.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ