Hockey team departs for the Asian Games

Captain not to take any team lightly as Pakistan hockey team leave for Asian Games.

KARACHI: The Pakistan hockey team left for the Asian Games yesterday with an aim to clinch gold in the event and confirm their place in the 2012 London Olympics.

Team captain Zeeshan Ashraf said the side was well prepared for the quadrennial event, to be held in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to 27, as Pakistan desperately need a top finish.

“We’re well prepared as we’ve trained hard for the event,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune. “The squad knows the importance of the event and is in good spirit.”

Pakistan displayed a poor performance in the Commonwealth Games (CWG)  last month where the team finished a poor sixth in New Delhi. However, the captain remained confident of a better show in China.

“Things have changed and we’re leaving with a more experienced side this time,” Ashraf said before terming the inclusion of the experienced duo Sohail Abbas and Salman Akber a boost for his side. “Both players have loads of experience and this counts a lot for us. The team is stronger compared to the CWG.”

Abbas missed the CWG but was handed a recall by the selection committee while goal-keeper Akber also makes his return after missing the Delhi event. Pakistan have been tied with rivals India, Japan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong in Pool B of the ten-team event. Defending champions South Korea head Pool A that comprises China, Malaysia, Singapore and Oman.

“There are no minnows in modern hockey and we will play every match like a final.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2010.