Olympians protest to ‘rescue’ hockey

Former players call for a change in the PHF set-up.

KARACHI:

With the performance of the national hockey team deteriorating by the day, Olympians staged a protest at the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) headquarters in Lahore.

Several players, including former captain Mohammad Saqlain and ex goal-keeper Mansoor Ahmed, have called for a change in the federation’s set-up.

“We feel it’s our responsibility to bring about a change,” Saqlain told The Express Tribune. “Winning seems to be a distant dream. We’re not even managing a respectable finish in tournaments. The current PHF set-up has failed and we want the officials out. They’re ruining our national game and it’s time a new set-up is installed.”

The sit-in at the stadium will continue till June 16 after which the protest will be intensified, according to Saqlain, who added several legendary Olympians from all parts of the country were also expected to join in.

Meanwhile, PHF official said the protest will have an adverse affect on team’s show.

“It’s not the right time as the Olympics are very close,” he said. “It seems that these Olympians don’t care about the country.”

Pakistan thrashed by Belgium

After finishing at the bottom in Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan hockey team continued its poor show, losing to 11th-ranked Belgium 6-1 in its opening game of the Europe tour — the last international assignment before the Olympics.

Pakistan will play two matches against Germany on June 13 and 14 before meeting the Netherlands on June 15.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2012.