The second edition of the Asian Champions Trophy gets underway in Doha today with six countries - defending champions India, Malaysia, Japan, China, Oman as well as Pakistan – taking part. The Greenshirts open their campaign against Japan tonight.
“I am expecting a comfortable ride for Pakistan,” said the former captain. “They are the Asian Games gold medallists and have maintained their top ranking in Asia over the last few months. The absence of South Korea will also make things easier for Pakistan. They shouldn’t face a lot of problems against India as they have recently defeated them in an important Champions Trophy match to win bronze. What I feel is that the team must not only seek wins, but go for large margins and achieve those.”
‘Decisive Ind-Pak series talks soon’
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials are expected to make decisive talks with their Indian counterparts regarding the revival of a bilateral series.
Earlier this year, Hockey India (HI) started discussion on the topic in a step welcomed by the PHF but nothing concrete was decided. However, according to a PHF media release, HI General-Secretary Narinder Batra will reach Lahore on December 29 and will sign an agreement which will see resumption of bilateral series from next year.
“The debate on who will host the series first is expected during his visit as well,” a PHF official told The Express Tribune. “We’re hoping to convince HI to send their team first and looking forward to hosting India.”
The official added that the series was expected to take place in March or April.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2012.
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