According to the PHF, the selected players consist of five goalkeepers, six full-backs, eight midfielders and 18 forwards. PHOTO: FILE
The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s national selection committee has announced the names of 37 players selected from open trials which were held across the country from April 22 to April 29.
The selected lot of players will now head to the training camp to prepare for the 17th Asian Games which will start in South Korea on September 19. The training camp is headed by Shehnaz Sheikh and will be established at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad on May 4.
According to the PHF, the selected players consist of five goalkeepers, six full-backs, eight midfielders and 18 forwards.
According to Sheikh, the selected players are not up to the expectations as only 17 players have previous training experience, while 20 are fresh players who participated in the trials for the first time.
“The selected players do not have quality playmaking skills,” said Sheikh. “This is the first time in history that open trials of 644 players were organised according to the new format of 15 minute-sessions. The trials have developed an exposure of hockey in young players.
“However, grooming is still needed for which I have sent the training plan to the PHF.
“The plan consists of domestic matches and international tours to understand the difference between the national soft hockey and international competitive hockey styles.”
Asian Games participation
Participation in the upcoming Asian Games is still in jeopardy as the PHF has sent complete documents of only 15 players out of 25 to the Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).“They have sent the requisite documents for participation in the Asian Games of only 15 players out of 25,” said Hassan.
“We have also asked the Asian Games Committee for a week’s time to send complete documents. The requirement of the Committee is of 16 players along with six officials which makes a total squad
of 22.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2014.
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hope for the best other wise we r left on mercy of lazy cricket to occupy every play field in Pakistan. That only serve 13 people for whole day.