Hockey: down the abyss

Once considered to be a powerhouse in the field of hockey, Pakistan recorded the unwanted feat of failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time, a new low for the country’s sports. The four-time world champions had ample chances to qualify but poor form meant they had to win the ongoing Asia Cup to book their place in the global event that starts in the Netherlands next year. The result itself is a humiliation, effects of which would be felt for a long time to come. Hockey legends and the fraternity would continue to lament the lack of progress and demand a change in the Pakistan Hockey Federation set-up. Optimists would see the failure as a warning and look for ways to improve. But the simple fact remains that the way our hockey has progressed compared with other countries means that something like this was bound to happen.

The national team’s development, over the years, has remained stagnant. Despite pointing out what needs to be done and identifying the key areas, there have only been slight improvements. Our players seem to have a tough time adapting to changing circumstances during the course of a tournament. After giving encouraging performances at the start of tournaments, they keep reverting to their original style of play, which has not been too conducive to winning. The changes required of players need to take place at a much junior level. It is difficult for even the most highly-qualified coaches to change the way senior and experienced players approach the sport. In other words, it is difficult to change their habits.

It is high time that a fresh set of legs is introduced and strategic planning is done on a long-term basis. Dropping and retaining the senior players on a rotation basis has proved to be fruitful for one event and disastrous for the next. A balanced approach needs to be adopted and juniors need to slowly make their way into the national team. Pakistan hockey has seen its lowest ebb and the only way from here is upwards.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2013.

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