Hockey: Training camp begins today

Hockey team to warm up ahead of Australia tour.

KARACHI: Following a three-month break after the London Olympics, the Greenshirts will start flexing muscles for back-to-back events in Australia, including the FIH Champions Trophy at a training camp that begins in Lahore today.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced 28 probables for the training camp that will continue till the team’s departure for Australia. Pakistan will first participate in a nine-a-side International Super Series in Perth that starts on November 22 before the Champions Trophy from December 1.

Hanif looks for improvement

Meanwhile, Hanif Khan, who recently took over as coach, said he would work on all aspects during the camp.

“We will try to bring improvement in all aspects,” Hanif told The Express Tribune. “Our main focus will be to improve scoring ability and players’ stamina. We’ll also work on defence marking and building a good understanding among all the players.”

Responding to a query, the coach said it was the decision of head coach Akhtar Rasool to overlook penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas and seasoned striker Rehan Butt,  adding that Waseem Ahmed also returned on the chief coach’s advice.

According to another PHF official, the final squad for the Australia assignments was expected to be named a week before the team’s departure.

Alam backs goalies’ selection

Meanwhile, Ahmed Alam, who will mentor the goal-keepers, backed the decision to retain Imran Shah and Imran Butt despite unimpressive performances in London.

“I am hoping to bring out the best in them,” said the former goal-keeper. “It is not appropriate to judge a player’s calibre on the basis of one bad match. I am optimistic they will bounce back.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2012.