LAHORE, Feb 15: The national junior hockey training camp began on Saturday with chief coach Ayaz Mahmood and three probables absent at the National Hockey Stadium.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 46 probables to finalise team for Akbar Al-Youm hockey tournament to be organized in Egypt from March 6 to 14.

Team manager, Col Abdur Rauf (retd) said Ayaz failed to join as his department, PIA, had not released him. He said he was not sure Ayaz would be relieved for the national duty.

About the alternative arrangement, he said “there is no option but to replace Ayaz with another coach if his department does not release him”.

The manager said Rizwan, Aasim and Owais were three probables who did not report but they were expected to report on Sunday.

Trials to shortlist probables to 28 will be held on Feb 20. The team departs for Egypt on March 1.