After Asian triumph, Imran eyes bigger scalps

Pakistan hockey captain content with performance of youngsters in Japan.

KARACHI: After the Asian Champions Trophy triumph, Pakistan hockey team captain Mohammad Imran has set his sight on bigger tasks — to topple top-class teams like Australia and the Netherlands.

Pakistan retained the title in Japan after taming the hosts in the final this weekend, while the greenshirts also remained unbeaten in the league phase.

“This title is a breakthrough for us,” Imran told The Express Tribune.

“We have once again proven our domination in Asia and the way we won the title is a very good sign. But this is just the start as we have bigger tasks ahead. Our aim now is to target teams like Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.”

The team management, following the failure to reach the World Cup 2014, dropped several senior players to pave way for youngsters for the Super Series Hockey 9s and the Asian Champions Trophy.

“The biggest positive is the response of the new players. Most of them showed a lot of potential. At this point, I can safely say that we are on track in our rebuilding process.”

The seasoned defender also credited the team’s head coach and manager Tahir Zaman for their performance.

“The coach made the right moves when needed, which made a real difference.”

Imran also expressed satisfaction at the team’s performance in the Hockey 9s despite the last-place finish in the event.

“It was the first international experience with the senior team for many players, but they still did well against Australia.”

He added the experience of back-to-back events gave vital preparation to the youngsters for the Junior World Cup in India next month.

Meanwhile, the captain called for a reward for his team for winning the Asian title.

“The team comprised mainly of youngsters and any incentive will be a huge motivation for it.

“We won this title in a tough situation, but it is sad that there has been no prize announcement yet. It is our duty to play for the country, but in return the players expect some sort of appreciation.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2013.

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