KARACHI: The Pakistan junior hockey team kicked off the fourth Sultan of Johor cup at Malaysia with a resounding 5-0 loss against Great Britain (GB) on the opening day, but are optimistic of winning their other matches.
The debutant GB team started their campaign in style as they overcame Pakistan on a rainy first day thanks to three penalty strokes and two field goals.
“Our first match was with a tough team,” said head coach Manzoorul Hassan, while talking to The Express Tribune from Malaysia. “The boys tried but it was not their best outing. We are unsure about how strong the other five teams are but we definitely want to finish as high as possible.”
Hassan added that he wants the boys to enjoy themselves and play with confidence so that they are able to prepare for the future. “This is our first international tournament but the players, whose average age is 19, should not feel intimidated,” he said. “They will be up against quality opposition and this will provide them with invaluable experience for the 2016 juniors’ World Cup.”
Meanwhile in the other matches, India defeated New Zealand 2-0 and Australia defeated hosts Malaysia 2-1.
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Corruption in the admistration and management have finished Hockey in Pakistan same is the case for Squash and Cricket one or two individual performance is because of their own talent and hard work. Just look at the near past when only one honest and compentence person namely Air Marshall Noor Khan at the helm of affair has made Pakistan the world champion in these three sports.
Pathetic and shameful performance. With these type of Juniors team feature of Team Pakistan looks bright.. Please do not waste money for sending team of this caliber. Some School teams in Pakistan play better hockey than National junior team. Wake up Pakistan.