Four-time champions Pakistan finished last in the World Cup earlier this year that featured 12 teams, a performance that shook the country’s hockey set-up. Following the team’s disappointing performance, the coach and team officials were sacked while the entire team announced their retirement.
But Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf, who led the side in that tournament, is undeterred by the team’s previous display. “The World Cup is now history and we will hopefully erase its bitter memories by putting up a good show at the Games,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.
Placed in Pool A in the 10-team competition, Pakistan will play against Scotland tomorrow in their opening match at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the same venue that hosted the World Cup in February and March.
Ashraf said he was hoping to start the campaign on a winning note. “The first match in any tournament is very important and we are looking for a win to gain confidence before the tougher matches.”
The Green Shirts will play against Malaysia on October 6 before facing World Champions Australia and traditional rivals India on October 9 and 10 respectively. “All our matches are very tough especially against the world champions and India who will be enjoying their home advantage, so wins against Scotland and Malaysia will give us a much needed boost,” said Ashraf.
Group B comprises England, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago and the Pakistan captain felt that his team would have a good chance of winning the tournament’s medal if his side succeed in qualifying for the semi-finals.
“The teams that would come from the other group are not that tough so we will definitely have a great chance of winning a medal if we qualify for the semi-finals.”
The semi-finals for the hockey event will take place on October 12, while the
final and bronze medal match would be played on October 14.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2010.
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