May 10, 2003	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1424

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LAHORE, May 9: The national hockey camp probables played seven-a-side series on Friday to improve their skills here at National Hockey Stadium.

The camp is in progress to finalise the squad for two tournaments to be held in Australia from May 29 to June 8.

“Our boys are technically not sound during off-the-ball game. They looked helpless when the rivals are in possession. And it was because of that the series has become part of the camp,” coach Shahnaz Sheikh said.

“Covering the ground with seven players is a hard job. But it gives the players an opportunity to enhance their stamina,” the coach said.

He admitted that seven-a-side game could not better the ability of a striker because of less number of players in the circle.

“The series is aimed at improving off-the-ball tactics and is not a permanent part of the training, therefore, the practice will end after achieving positive results,” Shahnaz said

Meanwhile, Rehan Butt and Mohammad Qasim received injuries during the sessions. Rehan hurt his shin and Qasim suffered a groin injury.

Team doctor, Dr. Waqar Ahmad said Qasim’s injury was not serious, while he would reach to a conclusion about Rehan after few hours.

Asim Chohan has been ruled out as he would not be able to train due to muscle problem. Ali Raza, who injured his nose during training few days ago, had been operated and is likely to rejoin before the trials scheduled for May 12 and 14.

Team manager Shahid Jaffery has been hospitalised after felt chest pain on Thursday. He will rejoin the training camp on the advice of the doctors.

Goalkeeping coach Shahid Ali Khan joined the camp on Thursday after the absence of two weeks. Khalid Bashir is unlikely to join the camp as coach for the defenders as he is on a departmental course in Karachi.