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| September 3, 2003 | Wednesday | Rajab 5, 1424 |
Manager, skipper predict victory in Asia Cup
LAHORE, Sept 2: Pakistan hockey skipper and manager concurred when they predicted victory in the next Asia Cup to be held at Kuala lumpur, Malaysia from Sept 21.
Talking to Dawn before the start of the national training camp for the Asia Cup at the National Hockey Stadium (NHS) on Tuesday, captain Mohammad Nadeem, said that he set victory and not the victory-stand as target in the Asia Cup.
“There will be no European team in the Asian event which can upset Pakistan and my boys are quite able to beat the main rivals India”, Nadeem said.
Nadeem claimed that Pakistan had played better game against India in the Amstelveen’s Champions Trophy, despite 7-4 drubbing in the league match.
“ Pakistan had fielded a strong team in the world toughest tournament, b ut in my opinion the players became complacent after victories against India, Australia and Argentina.”, he said.
He admitted that flaws still existed in the defence area but added forward line was at its peak form during the Champions Trophy.
“ The defence only clicked when the forwards and half-line came to help it”, he said.
Speaking about playing abroad Nadeem pointed out that he would play League hockey in Germany subject to prior approval of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
Manager Abdul Rashid Junior, also said that final victory was his target in the Asia Cup as it was necessary for the
promotion of hockey in the country.
“Yes, the winning drought period is long and at least a title at the Asian level can end it and it is also necessary for the promotion of the country’s hockey and setting a stage for the next Olympics” the former Olympian Rashid said.
However, unlike the captain, Rashid had some reservations about the strength of the South Korea and Malaysia, the two other teams, participating in the Asia Cup.
“We do not have enough feedback about the Malaysian and South Korean teams, because we last played against them in the Azlan Shah Cup Tournament early this year, but both sides are aware of our strength after watching our matches in the Champions Trophy,” he said.
He pointed out that the Malaysian hockey coach was also in Holland to watch the strength of all the teams.
Rashid said that his team had the potential to end the winning-drought if it did not miss the opportunities and maintained its true game throughout.
“I can’t understand why the team suddenly starts showing dismal show in patches, despite having the edge over the rivals”, he expressed his astonishment.
Out of total 31 players, six were absent on the first day. Among them were Sohail Abbas, Wasim Ahmad and Ahmad Alam while three reserves players absent were Nasir Ali, Sameer Hussain and Zahid.
The reserve players are playing in the ongoing Musa Cup hockey tournament in Quetta.
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