Heuvel joins team in Abbottabad today
A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official confirmed that the coach will arrive in Islamabad early today hence ending speculation that the coach had security concerns.
“Heuvel informed PHF about his plans weeks ago and there was no security concern to the coach”, a PHF official told The Express Tribune while adding that Heuvel will immediately leave for Abbottabad to join the national team’s training camp there.
‘Camp not affected by Heuvel’s short absence’
Pakistan team’s assistant coach Ahmed Alam said the camp that started last week hardly felt the absence of Heuvel.
As many as 25 players are participating in the first phase of the camp before 18 are shortlisted for the second phase that will be held in Holland from September 1.
“The camp was not affected by Heuvel’s absence as he already gave a written plan to us which we followed strictly,” said Alam adding that Heuvel was in constant touch with the team management while he was in Holland.
“The camp is held in the morning and evenings in which the players are doing various exercises besides match practice,” added Alam.
‘Fasting affecting training’
Meanwhile, Alam seemed to be unhappy with players who are fasting during the extensive training camp.
The former Olympian said that there were some players who were fasting and their preparations were being affected.
“It’s not suitable to stop someone from fasting but I think players’ preparations are being affected due to it. They are making full efforts but it’s not possible to give 100 per cent while fasting,” said Alam.
“There are many training exercises involved in the camp which become very difficult for players who are fasting and especially with the weather.”
“The purpose of holding the camp at high altitude is to improve stamina and fitness of the players but it would not give the desired results if players are unable to give 100 per cent.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2010.
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