Akhtar would be matching his physical prowess and wits with Indian player Bhullar in the upcoming championship. PHOTO: NABIL TAHIR/EXPRESS
Akhtar, who played against India in the 2012 Netball Beach Men’s Championship, is optimistic about his team’s chances of taking a gold medal this time.
“I have played against India before, and I know their weaknesses as their team is almost the same one that they fielded in the 2012 beach event,” Akhtar told The Express Tribune.
“One of their players, Sim Bhullar, is even taller than me, but I think I’m much better in terms of speed and fitness.”
Meanwhile, head coach Maqbool Ahmed, who was part of the runners-up team in 2012, said he is giving each player ample attention according to their positions on court.
“Netball is a lot like basketball,” said Ahmed. “But there the rules and number of players is different. In netball, there are seven players.
The coach is confident that Akhtar’s height and strength will be a big factor when the championship commences.
“Akthar is a big advantage we have over India, he catches the ball easily and shoots it in the net deftly. On the other hand, Bhullar is seven-foot-five but plays sluggishly due to his weight and slow speed.”
“We are definitely going to win the South Asian title as I am taking special care of not only each player’s playing style but also his fitness,” he added.
The second edition of the South Asian Netball Championship is being held after a gap of 12 years, in which two Pakistan (hosts), India, Sri Lanka and Maldives will play for the title at the Liaquat Gymnasium, PSB Sports Complex in Islamabad.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2014.
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