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| August 6, 2002 | Tuesday | Jamadi-ul-Awwal 26,1423 |
Official justifies team’s stay in Europe
KARACHI, Aug 5: A senior official of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Monday ruled out change in the schedule of national hockey team before participating in the Champions Trophy in Germany due to humiliating 7-2 loss to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games.
“It will be wrong to call back national hockey team due to one defeat” declared Director PHF, Col. Abdul Rauf Monday.
No doubt the defeat against New Zealand was a setback for Pakistan hockey, but to disturb the schedule and call it back from England only for few days would create more problems, he said.
Rauf was of the view that huge amount of money would go waste if team was to return as demanded by former Olympians. The tickets of 22-member touring party, hotel charges and other expenditures would go waste and PHF would have to bear huge financial burden afresh for participation in Champions Trophy starting in Germany, Colonge, from 31st Aug 31-8 Sept, he said.
PHF planned 18 days stay in England after Commonwealth Games before before flying to Germany for participation in Champions Trophy.
He said that it was decided earlier that the team would depart from England to Germany which would help players acclimatised to European weather.
It was difficult for PHF to call back them, organize camp and arrange tickets for the player and officials therefore.
Rauf opined that those criticising should also watch the results of Pakistan’s 10-2 drubbing of South Africa to earn bronze medal. —PPI
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