Azlan Shah Cup: We are ready, says team official

Pakistan hockey squad wraps up training camp for event in Malaysia.

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team’s extensive training camp for Azlan Shah Cup concluded yesterday with a team official declaring that the greenshirts were ready for the tournament.

The team, under chief coach Akhtar Rasool and coach Hanif Khan, trained for almost three weeks for what will be its first assignment this year after winning the Asian Champions Trophy in Doha in December.

According to the official, the team management covered all aspects during the camp including fitness and field training besides practice matches.

“The coaches gave special emphasis on fitness,” said the official. “The players worked hard to overcome weaknesses. They mainly focused on improving their performance in defence and finishing which have been the grey areas of the team.”

The official added that the practice matches played in the final stages of the camp helped in giving final touches to preparations.

“The team management tested various combinations. These games also provided some much-needed match practice. The team is ready and we are hoping for a good show in the tournament.”



The event will be played in Ipoh, Malaysia from March 9 to 17. New Zealand will defend their title while Australia, India, South Korea and hosts Malaysia will be the other competitors in the tournament. The greenshirts are scheduled to leave for the event tomorrow from Lahore.

Meanwhile, Rasool said the inclusion of youngsters will help in extending the pool for future assignments.

“It will help in forming more balanced and stronger squads for the important tournaments scheduled after this event,” said Rasool.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2013.