Akbar confirms Asian Games return

LAHORE: Pakistan’s hockey goalkeeper Salman Akbar has termed the Asian Games his comeback tournament after opting out of the Commonwealth Games to concentrate on the Dutch League.

Akbar has not been considered for the tour of Holland or the Commonwealth Games due to his club contract but has confirmed his availability for the multi-nation event.

“My goal is to feature in the Asian Games,” Akbtar told The Express Tribune. “I see that as a more important event than the Commonwealth Games because it’s the road to qualification for the Olympics.”

The Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary Asif Bajwa revealed that the federation had no objections over Akbar opting for the league.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2010.