KARACHI: Pakistan ended yet another dismal hockey campaign after a 3-2 loss to South Africa condemned them to a six-place finish in the Commonwealth Games following earlier defeats against Australia and India.
The Greenshirts displayed poor defence again as they failed to capitalise on their 2-0 lead courtesy a brace by former captain Rehan Butt with strikes in the 28th and 52nd minute.
South Africa bounced back late in the second half through Justin Reid who converted a 55th-minute penalty corner to pull his side back into the match.
Pakistan’s trouble continued as they were reduced to 10 men after defender Mohammad Irfan was sent off for bringing down Marvin Harper inside the ‘D’.
South Africa then took full advantage and levelled through Gareth Carr who converted another penalty corner in the 62nd minute as the teams went into extra time. Reid then struck a golden goal as South Africa sealed fifth position.
Irfan banned for three matches
Irfan, who received a red card for his tackle, has been suspended for three matches.
“Irfan was rightly shown the red card because there was a foul from him,” team manager Khawaja Junaid told The Express Tribune. “We will play practice matches before the Asian Games and are hopeful of Irfan’s availability in the event.”
Team management disappointed
“Youngsters could not handle the pressure in front of an overwhelming crowd in the match against India, which was the turning point of our campaign. I’m not criticising team selection as the youngsters are good but they need more experience.”
‘Change set-up before it’s too late’
Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has blamed the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) policies for the team’s poor performance.
“We faced a tsunami earlier this year when the team failed miserably in the World Cup [in New Delhi] but the PHF continued with their poor policies,” said Sheikh. “There should be a change in the top management otherwise it will destroy our national game. The PHF is spending millions on foreign tours and coach but everyone can see the results and it’s time to take action.”
Pakistan limp out of squash pre-quarters
Aamir Atlas and Farhan Mehboob went down 11-4, 11-5 to the Australia pair of Stewart Boswell and David Palmer in the doubles pre quarter-final of the squash event. The duo, who also failed in the individual event, lost in just 42 minutes.
Another Pakistan pair of Yasir Butt and Danish Atlas succumbed to England’s Peter Barker and Daryl Selby 11-6, 11-8 in another last-16 match.
No medals in Paralympics
Pakistan’s Nasir Butt, who featured in the power-lifting event in Paralympics, failed to reach the podium after organisers combined all categories.
“It was very harsh for Paraly-mpics athletes who were offered just one medal by the organsiers,” said team manager Zareef Siddiqui. “Nasir finished on top in Group C but he was a mismatch to his opponents from the higher weight categories.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2010.
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