The players are disappointed at not being able to take part in the league, robbing them of a good opportunity to train against the world’s best. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Despite being sent back from the Hockey India League (HIL) in the wake of cross-border tension, Pakistan hockey players have expressed eagerness to play in the lucrative tournament in the future, saying they have no harsh feelings towards the organisers.
Nine players returned home without taking part in the tournament after organisers decided to release the group due to protests demanding the ouster of Pakistan performers from India. The Olympians, though, termed the development negative with both countries looking forward to rebuilding sport ties. But the players who faced anti-Pakistan protests in India felt that the issue will not hamper the process of improving ties between hockey federations of both the countries.
Pakistan hockey player Mohammad Tauseeq, who was part of the Mumbai Magicians, said he will look forward to visiting India again when things settle down.
“There were no serious security concerns,” Tauseeq told The Express Tribune. “We were having our first practice session when a few dozens started protesting and shouting anti-Pakistan protests. We were escorted safely from the venue and our security was beefed up.”
Hockey India (HI) and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) took the decision to cancel Pakistan players’ participation in the event as precautionary measure.
“I think the decision was appropriate as the situation may have disturbed our tempo.”
Taufeeq said the HI has promised to give contract money and hope it will be disbursed soon.
Players look forward to next edition
Rashid Mehmood, who was the highest-paid Pakistani as Mumbai roped in the senior player for $40,000, shared similar views.
“We have no harsh feelings on being sent back,” said Mehmood. “The decision was taken in the interest of the players and we have no issues with that. The organisers were hospitable and took care of our security as long as we were there. I’d love to go back to India and play in the league once things settle down.”
‘Time to draw a line’
Another senior Pakistan player, Shafqat Rasool who signed up for Ranchi Rhinos, expressed disappointment on missing out a chance to play the lucrative league.
“I am disappointed at missing out,” said Rasool. “It was a great competition as many high profile players were playing the league. It was just because of a few people that we were deprived of the chance otherwise most of the people were friendly to us.”
Seasoned Mohammad Irfan who was also bought by Ranchi was also impressed with the hospitality in India.
“The coaching staff and HI officials were very supportive,” he said. “They were also sad on our departure. The process of improving ties should not stop. There is a need to draw a line between sports and politics and political issues should not let affect sporting ties.”
Islah disappointed on players’ return
Meanwhile, legendary Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui expressed disappointment with the development.
“It’s sad to see players returning without playing,” said Islah in an interview. “The league was a good opportunity for players. Such incidents will also hamper the progress of reviving bilateral hockey ties between the two countries.”
Islahuddin
“It’s sad to see players returning without playing. The league was a good opportunity for players. Such incidents will also hamper the progress of reviving bilateral hockey ties between the two countries.”
Shafqat
“I am disappointed at missing out. It was a great competition as many high profile players were playing the league. It was just because of few people that we were deprived of the chance otherwise most of the people were friendly to us.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2013.
COMMENTS (25)
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@Dr.X: I would love to go to India, for many reasons. Kind regards - An Average Pakistani.
Trade, entertainment, spots(including cricket) can wait. These artists and players can perform and play in their own country or other countries. . It is hard to understand the RUSH of some Indians to promote sporting ties, cultural exchanges (which is just one way), commerce and trade and people-to-people contacts in spite of no progress being made by Pakistan on any terrorist attach in India, any anti-India terrorist or any organisation supporting them. . Security of India is the most important. With Pakistan not helping (rather directly or indirectly propagating terror attacks in India), India and Indians should act tough until Pakistan eliminate terrorists from its land forever. . Otherwise, India should be ready to face many rounds of humiliations in the hand of Pakistan !
like i said before, the lust of money will take them back to india in no time!!!
We love to see foreign players in India and Pakistanis are no exception for us.
@ Desi Well said!
@ Vivek Grow Up!!!!!
Pakistanis will ‘love to go back to India’
Who says money can not buy you love.
Those few people who objected to the Pakistani hockey players playing in India are the enemies of peace. Sportsmen and artistes are not political people. They are the ambassadors of goodwill and should be welcomed in every country.
@indian: \people like you on both the side can be gem...
@Vivek: Yeah there are some extremists in both side like you :P
@Anand: "Pakistanis will be welcomed in India , Artists and players" Don't promise like ManMoorakh Singh without being able to deliver!
Lesson learn from all this.... Establish your own league be self sufficient, we have the resources and talent to achieve that. Our players can still play in other leagues and it will be a positive thing but they will not be desperate if opportunities are provided at home.
no "pakistanis" will hate this..atleast i hate this
@External Hand: Please do not behead our soldiers.
Pakistanis will be welcomed in India , Artists and players
politics and sports should not overlap. I as an Indian appologise from Pakistan hockey players for what has happned. Thanks for showing ur intrest of going back.
It's a shame that warmongering is giving preference over people to people contacts. Many Indians love to demonize Pakistanis but the truth is the majority of the people there are no different than us. We need an open policy towards each other, particularly in sports, arts, and academic and cultural projects.
no thanks pl.
Sorry guys that you had to leave due to unfortunate situations at the border. What many Pakistanis and Indians do not understand ore realize is that in daily life out citizens share far more common interests that can only be realized by opening he gates and not closing them. But at same time please do understand our concern, in our standards we have burned our hands enough through Mumbai incident and recently the beheading of the jawan. Soldiers die at battlefield or while defending their sides of fences for which I would call them all both Indian and Pakistani soldiers as soldiers losing life on line of duty. But beheading is the reason, and not the dead, for which you saw consequent reactions. Let the armies sort it out, while common men should not put a break on this momentum in knowing each other and visiting each other's home across border.
Never thought I would say this, but now I think Afridi was right, Inkay dil asal main hi kalay hai
As an Indian , I am sorry guys, we have no problem with innocent pakistani visitors in India. Hope you guys have good trips to india in future.
No, YOU would like to go there. For personal reasons. Not the average Pakistani.
Border issues are different things . The latest events are due to security threats. Caused by some some localised people.we enjoy and appreciate the artists and players of pak.
No thanks. Stay put in your country.