‘Hockey should be promoted in schools’

Former coach Hanif criticises PHF’s initiative of open trials.

KARACHI:

The ongoing Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) open trials are facing strong criticism by certain senior players of the national game.

Legendary Hanif Khan criticised the PHF’s approach to promote the game and the poor turnout in Karachi.

“Talent cannot come up until hockey is not promoted in schools and colleges, which is making hockey a less interesting sport among our youth,” said Hanif, who has performed the duties of selector and coach of the team in the past.

“They should first correct the domestic structure. If 10 teams participate in zonal hockey matches it makes 160 players, which would be better than 44.”

Meanwhile, the national team captain Muhammad Imran said that the goal set by national team coach Shahnaz Sheikh to take his new team to the Asian Games does not seem to be a good decision.

“Only six months are left for the Asian Games which is not enough to train new players,” said Imran.

“These Games are really important. The winning team directly qualifies for the Olympics.”

Former captain Rehan Butt expressed concern over the participation of a relatively younger and inexperienced team in the Asian Games.

“The current experienced team should participate in the Asian Games,” said Rehan.

“However, the idea of open trials is good. It will give younger players a chance that they often complain about.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.