Hockey: Players are still high in spirits, says coach Sheikh

Despite another delayed meeting with PM, team wants to do well in India

KARACHI: Despite another postponement of their meeting with Patron-in-Chief Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan hockey team and its management are still eager to showcase their skills at the upcoming Champions Trophy in India.

The meeting, scheduled for November 19 to discuss delayed payments and other rewards, was deferred for a second time due to the PM’s engagement with other matters.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Akhtar Rasool confirmed the reason while adding that he was in talks with Sharif’s office about setting a new date.

“The meeting was delayed as he [Sharif] had other commitments to attend to, but I’m in contact with the PM’s representative and have requested them to rearrange the meeting either prior to the team’s departure on December 2 or once it returns on December 17,” Rasool told The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, head coach Shahnaz Sheikh confirmed that the players were extremely disappointed after hearing the news, and since he was the bridge between them and the federation, it is his responsibility to keep their morale high.

“The players have already faced many disappointments by missing major hockey events in the past year so this just adds to their discontentment; it’s hurting their confidence as they feel the government is not paying attention to hockey, while they, on the other hand, are fighting for its survival.”

Players focused on training

Notwithstanding the lack of acknowledgement from the government, the players want to serve the country.

“We all had expectations from the PM, we were hoping to get something before our departure since we left our leagues for the Champions Trophy,” said goalkeeper Imran Butt.

“Our coach has promised us that he will do his best from his end to make the meeting happen, but for the time being, he wants us to focus on our training.

“We love this sport and all the players are doing the best they can for its survival, but this can’t go on for long if the government keeps neglecting the sport.”

 
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.