Asian Games: Imran backs senior players to defend title
National hockey team captain calls for practice matches.
“We cannot depend on the youngsters for the Asian Games, as roughly 22 players have been included in the camp for the first time,” said Mohammad Imran. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan hockey team captain Mohammad Imran has backed senior players, who played in the Asian Championship, to defend their Asian Games title and qualify for the Olympics.
“We cannot depend on the youngsters for the Asian Games, as roughly 22 players have been included in the camp for the first time,” Imran told The Express Tribune.
“We need to take experiences players to defend our title and to qualify for the Olympics.
“There are only three to four outstanding players in the forward and midfield positions who the coaches are paying extra attention to.”
According to Imran’s outlook on the ongoing camp, he believes the players need international tours to build confidence.
“The coaches are planning to hold practice matches within the country as well as abroad with international teams.”
Meanwhile, national coach Shahnaz Sheikh echoed the captain’s sentiments regarding the inclusion of the senior team
“As defending champions, I have to take strong and bold decisions,” he said.
Sheikh has also asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to replace the players who were unable to join the national training camp.
“There are four players who have not been able to join the camp and need to be replaced.”
“Khalid Bhatti is ill and won’t be able to join for two to three weeks. Goalkeeper Imran Butt is also undergoing medical tests and the doctors will start his treatment from May 11.
“Another youngster Bilal of Bannu has left camp due to a family issue, while Ali Shan is suffering a hamstring injury and has been advised a two-week rest.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2014.
Pakistan hockey team captain Mohammad Imran has backed senior players, who played in the Asian Championship, to defend their Asian Games title and qualify for the Olympics.
“We cannot depend on the youngsters for the Asian Games, as roughly 22 players have been included in the camp for the first time,” Imran told The Express Tribune.
“We need to take experiences players to defend our title and to qualify for the Olympics.
“There are only three to four outstanding players in the forward and midfield positions who the coaches are paying extra attention to.”
According to Imran’s outlook on the ongoing camp, he believes the players need international tours to build confidence.
“The coaches are planning to hold practice matches within the country as well as abroad with international teams.”
Meanwhile, national coach Shahnaz Sheikh echoed the captain’s sentiments regarding the inclusion of the senior team
“As defending champions, I have to take strong and bold decisions,” he said.
Sheikh has also asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to replace the players who were unable to join the national training camp.
“There are four players who have not been able to join the camp and need to be replaced.”
“Khalid Bhatti is ill and won’t be able to join for two to three weeks. Goalkeeper Imran Butt is also undergoing medical tests and the doctors will start his treatment from May 11.
“Another youngster Bilal of Bannu has left camp due to a family issue, while Ali Shan is suffering a hamstring injury and has been advised a two-week rest.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2014.