10-May-2012
The News
KARACHI: Having bagged 48 medals international medals out of which 21 were gold and still being the most successful hockey playing nation, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) needs to have self-esteem and start lifting morale of the players.
“Pakistan is not like any other nation in the game of hockey. The green-shirts have a glorious past. The federation should start considering this fact and start behaving with dignity,” former Olympian Shenaz Sheikh.
Shahnaz criticised top PHF officials for giving statements, which shows complacency after reaching the semifinals of Junior Asia Cup and also qualifying for the Junior World Cup to be held in India next year.
“Qualifying for semifinals of Junior Asia Cup is not a big achievement as none of European or Australian teams participate in the event. And qualifying after being held at 2-2 by India and earlier a narrow 1-0 win over China has not been a big success,” Shahnaz added.
Shahnaz also pointed out that most of the players in the team have been playing with national senior team. “Pakistan should have qualified for the semifinals as there were around seven players in the team, who plays with the senior team.”
PHF secretary Asif Bajwa said in a media statement that the federation has fulfilled its ‘promise’ to the nation by making it to the semifinals of Asian Junior and qualifying for the Junior World Cup after beating lowly Sri Lankan team 14-0 in its last group match.
Junior team coach Rana Mujahid also said that it was a big achievement for his colts to qualify semifinals and for the next year’s World Cup.
“Many top junior players will exceed the age limit by next year’s World Cup. And Europeans and Australians will also be there. I don’t think federation has a slightest idea of the uphill task they have for next year’s preparation,” Shahnaz said.
Shahnaz further said that the statements from top officials show complacency, which will be carried on to the players.
Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/ |
