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| October 14, 2001 | Sunday | Rajab 26, 1422 |
Shahbaz says he would play till 2002
KARACHI, Oct 13: Recalled Pakistan hockey star Shahbaz Ahmed said he would play until next year’s World Cup.
“I am ready and spirited to play one more time for Pakistan and would make my all out efforts to bring Pakistan back in the top three teams of the world,” Ahmed told SADA.
“World Cup 2002 would be my swansong and by that time I would like to see Pakistan back in the top three teams of the world.”
Pakistan Thursday recalled Ahmed for a third time to feature in team’s Champions Trophy campaign next month.
Rotterdam, Holland hosts the top six teams annual event from Nov 3-11.
“I am gearing up for the new challenge and would like to see Pakistan reach the final,” Ahmed, said.
Olympic and world champions Holland will defend the Trophy title while other teams will be South Korea, Australia, England and Germany.
Ahmed, who until August was one of Pakistan’s three coaches, said coaching will become a secondary thing for him.
“Since I have made World Cup 2002 as my target coaching will go on the back seat but I am determined to make my mark in coaching as well, Ahmed, who holds the unique world record of ten man of the tournament awards, said.
Ahmed is one of Pakistan’s five coaches selected for a high profile FIH course in Holland.
“I would attend the International Hockey Federation coaching seminar before the Trophy in Holland but if I feel that coaching is disturbing me then I would concentrate on playing until the World Cup,” he said.
Malaysia hosts the World Cup in February next year. Ahmed denied he fears lack of support from other players.
“I don’t fear anything when I enter hockey field and would do mys best to cope with the players who do lack in capacity,” he said.
“I would chose my players and would help them deliver their best in the Trophy and the Cup competitions.”
Former Pakistan captain said he thinks Pakistan’s matches against Holland and Germany would be crucial.
“If Pakistan wins one of their two matches against Holland and Germany then we would definitely play the final,” he opined. Ahmed said cool Dutch weather would be a disadvantage for Pakistan’s new players.
“Since most of the players are new they would find the cold weather hard to cope with in Holland but if we get warm up early then this could be avoided.” Pakistan team will leave for Holland on Oct 28.
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