National coach Zaman refutes resignation claims

Hockey official says his statement was misinterpreted.

KARACHI:

As Pakistan overcame Malaysia 3-1 to win the bronze medal at the Asia Cup, national coach Tahir Zaman said he will not resign in wake of the hockey team’s failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Reports following Pakistan’s loss to South Korea in the semi-final on Friday suggested that the coach had decided to part ways and the third-place contest against Malaysia would be his last.

“I haven’t resigned,” Tahir told The Express Tribune after the team’s win over Malaysia.

“My statement was misinterpreted; I didn’t announce any such thing. I’ll continue to serve hockey wherever I am needed.”

Tahir, regarded as the best qualified coach in Pakistan, replaced Hanif Khan for the must-win tournament.

However, the loss to South Korea meant the four-time champions failed to book their berth for the first time in the history of the World Cup.

The fiasco followed calls for a complete overhaul of the Pakistan Hockey Federation set-up and that of the team management, as former Olympians rued the lost status.

But, the coach declined to take full responsibility.

“Those who are criticising must speak logically. The hockey downfall is not sudden.

“As far as the Asia Cup is concerned, we showed improvement in all departments. It was just a bad day against South Korea.

“All stakeholders must collectively come out with a suggestion to help our hockey rise again.  Playing the blame game will only result in the further decline of our hockey.”

South Korea win Asia Cup title 

South Korea retained the Asia Cup title after beating India 4-3 in an epic battle, thanks to a goal by Kang Moon Kweon two minutes before the final whistle.

Korea dominated the opening session to lead 2-0, but India bounced back in the middle of the final session to equalise 2-2. Korea regained the lead but India leveled again, making the final moments nail-biting.

Earlier, Pakistan overcame Malaysia 3-2 to claim the bronze medal, following goals from Mohammad Imran and Haseem Khan, while the third one came from Mohammad Irfan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2013.

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