October 28, 2002	Monday	Sha’aban 21,1423

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KARACHI, Oct 27: Pakistan junior hockey coach Ayaz Mahmood cited lack of exposure as the major reason for his side’s dismal performance at the recent four-nation contest in Cairo, Egypt.

“All the players were inexperienced and had no international exposure before the Cairo tour. That’s the main reason we didn’t score a single goal. But at least we fared well against Egyptian Under-18 which is a proof boys can do a lot in future,” coach said on his return.

Pakistan lost all their matches against Egypt, France and India, and finished at rock bottom at the Akhbar Al-Youm hockey tournament, where they failed to score against any side.

Pakistan lost to Egypt 2-0, were beaten 1-0 by France, and then were thrashed 3-0 by India. The only consolation for Pakistan was the 5-1 victory over Egypt Under-18 in a friendly.

But one thing to which Ayaz agreed was that juniors’ showing could have been entirely different had Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) given emphasis on the junior squads.

“Only seniors were focussed during the last several years due to Olympics and other major events. Had juniors been polished during these two years, things would have definitely been different,” Ayaz said.

According to Ayaz, Egypt and France fielded their national sides, while India, with their second-string including four World Cup players in the squad, won the competition.

“The four-match series against England juniors last year was the only international activity our juniors had. How the boys were supposed to fare well when they had no exposure,” he asked.

However, Ayaz gave an illogical answer when asked how Pakistan juniors won the series against the visiting Englishmen.

“There is a lot of difference between playing at home and abroad. I can bet all three teams, India, Egypt and France would have given a tough time even to our seniors if they had gone to Cairo instead of junior side,” coach said.

It is, however, surprising if Egypt and France were so formidable sides, how an Indian second-string won the tournament.

PHF, although, appointed three coaches and a manager each for Under-16 and the junior squad, did nothing except holding training camps. The Under-16 side, which should have formed way back in 2000 when new PHF officials took over, is yet to be formed.

The present Under-18 that toured Cairo has been formed for the first time since the new PHF hierarchy took the charge. The side which played series against England Juniors, was just a pool of youngsters and not a full-fledged squad.