Two-day hockey trials conclude in Karachi

Players disappointed with lack of opportunity in the city.

KARACHI: The two-day trial held by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) at the Hockey Club in Karachi, ended with 44 anxious participants hoping to be selected.

The camp is now off to Bhawalpur, which is the next destination in the talent hunt for the Pakistan national team. On the way, they will attend the 9th Nishan-e-Haider Hockey Tournament as well.

“Selectors have shortlisted the players but will now go to other cities and will present the final 70 names selected by the PHF selection committee,” said PHF director of administration, Olympian Iftikhar Syed, while talking to The Express Tribune.



He also said that the selectors think players have talent but need more grooming, after which they will be able to perform at the national level.

“The national team of Pakistan does not have players like them,” said Mussadiq Hussain, a member of selection committee, appreciating the talent. “It is very lucky for the players who are being considered.”

Meanwhile, Shahnaz Sheikh, the manager and chief coach of the Pakistan national team said he was in search of talent that can represent Pakistan in the Asian Games in Korea

“My focus is to find a talented group of players to win the Asian Games,” said Shahnaz Sheikh, manager and chief coach of the Pakistan national team. “We need to find top class players.”

‘Young players are not interested’

Players were in high spirits at the trials but said they do not get much opportunity to prove their talent.

“There are not many departments left in Karachi, due to which many talented players don’t get opportunity,” said Fareed Manzoor, a junior hockey player.

“I used to play for KESC, but after it closed down, I have been unable to finance myself and have had to practice in clubs either in the morning or evening session”.

Meanwhile, UBL coach Saleem Sherwani, said departments should hire young players in order for talent to emerge from Karachi.“Young players are not interested in playing hockey after hearing about the condition of hockey players in Karachi,” he said.

“If players get proper training sessions and diet, they will be able to perform better and this can only happen when
departments hire them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2014.

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