Hockey team targets Olympics, World Cup
Players awarded Rs10m after grand homecoming.
KARACHI:
The Pakistan hockey team is now targeting bigger tournaments including the 2012 Olympics and the World Cup after winning gold at the Asian Games.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa claims that the team’s top-finish after two decades has motivated them to shift their focus to bigger tasks.
“Our win in China is the first step towards more success,” said Bajwa. “Our next goals are the 2012 London Olympics the 2014 World Cup for which we will give all our best.”
After Pakistan’s poor performance in the year, the PHF was under heavy criticism by the Olympians but Bajwa believes the federation has achieved what it had promised through the Asiad victory. “We targeted the Asian Games as our primary aim and thankfully we have succeeded in achieving it.”
Bajwa also said that he welcomed Olympians to give their suggestions, including the ones who criticised the federation, to improve the standard of the game in Pakistan. “We never take criticism personally and welcome all Olympians to work for the betterment of hockey.”
Players awarded Rs10m
The squad received a reception from Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif who announced a reward of Rs10 million for the team. Each team member will be receiving Rs500,000.
The team were greeted at the Lahore Airport by PHF President Qasim Zia and hundreds of fans.
Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf promised that the hard work would continue to bring more laurels for the country and called for more support for hockey. “More steps are required to promote hockey especially from prominent departments who should come forward for the game’s sponsorship.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2010.
The Pakistan hockey team is now targeting bigger tournaments including the 2012 Olympics and the World Cup after winning gold at the Asian Games.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa claims that the team’s top-finish after two decades has motivated them to shift their focus to bigger tasks.
“Our win in China is the first step towards more success,” said Bajwa. “Our next goals are the 2012 London Olympics the 2014 World Cup for which we will give all our best.”
After Pakistan’s poor performance in the year, the PHF was under heavy criticism by the Olympians but Bajwa believes the federation has achieved what it had promised through the Asiad victory. “We targeted the Asian Games as our primary aim and thankfully we have succeeded in achieving it.”
Bajwa also said that he welcomed Olympians to give their suggestions, including the ones who criticised the federation, to improve the standard of the game in Pakistan. “We never take criticism personally and welcome all Olympians to work for the betterment of hockey.”
Players awarded Rs10m
The squad received a reception from Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif who announced a reward of Rs10 million for the team. Each team member will be receiving Rs500,000.
The team were greeted at the Lahore Airport by PHF President Qasim Zia and hundreds of fans.
Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf promised that the hard work would continue to bring more laurels for the country and called for more support for hockey. “More steps are required to promote hockey especially from prominent departments who should come forward for the game’s sponsorship.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2010.