Junior Hockey World Cup: Colts desperate to leave mark in India

Pakistan’s preparations in full swing for December event.

KARACHI: Pakistan is eyeing a solid performance in India as the training camp for national probables continues for the Junior Hockey World Cup that will be held in New Delhi in December.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) invited over 40 players to the camp that started last week at the Naseer Bunda Stadium in Islamabad under the supervision of head coach and manager Manzoorul Hassan.

According to coach Anjum Saeed, the colts were highly motivated at the training camp and were undeterred with the uncertain situation in India.



Recently, Pakistan players were snubbed from the Hockey India League due to the cross-border tensions.

“We are desperate to play in the World Cup and the players are not afraid,” Saeed told The Express Tribune.

“Instead, the players are highly motivated and have been showing a lot of energy during training. They are targeting a good show in India.”

The coach said the first phase of the training camp will continue till November 10.

“The final team will be selected after the first phase. The junior players, who are travelling with the senior team will join the second phase of camp which will start November 15.

“There are two sessions daily that includes physical training, fitness drills and field practice.

“The junior team is the PHF’s main focus and we are giving the best possible preparations to the youngsters.”

The Junior World Cup will be held from December 6-15 among 16 teams which are divided into four groups. Pakistan, slotted in Pool A, will open their campaign against Egypt. Germany and Belgium are other teams in the group.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2013.

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