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| September 4, 2003 | Thursday | Rajab 6, 1424 |
Team officials force Tariq to quit training camp
KARACHI, Sept 3: Full-back Tariq Imran on Wednesday was asked to leave the national camp despite an invitation by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
Although the PHF did not include Tariq’s name in the probables for the training camp for next month’s Asia Cup when it announced the probables, it called the full-back through his department.
Tariq, who was busy playing in All-Pakistan Gen Musa tournament in Quetta, was asked by his department, PTCL, to join the camp in Lahore. He returned to Gojra and then left for Lahore and joined the camp on Sept 1.
However, he was ordered by the team manager Abdul Rashid Jr to stay away from the camp at National Stadium for session at midnight. He was again not allowed to join the probables for practice the next day.
Tariq finally had a one-to-one meeting on Wednesday with the secretary of the PHF Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan, and was asked to leave and that he would be called-up for the next camp.
Nevertheless, the reason for sudden change of heart could not be known, but Tariq’s departure in such a humiliating manner proved the team officials are calling the shots.
“PHF had invited Tariq through a letter dated Aug 12. Tariq who was playing in Quetta, was asked to report immediately to the camp. But I am amazed why he has now been asked to leave despite being invited,” director sports PTCL Zafar Iqbal Gondal said while confirming Tariq’s exit from the camp.
PTCL official said he had no idea why Tariq was given such a treatment which was against the ethics and added he was unaware why the secretary asked the full-back to return and report for the next camp.
Zafar expressed surprize that while PHF had already booked a hotel room for Tariq, he was not allowed to train along with the trainees by the manager at 1.00am on Sept 1 and then again in the evening.
“PTCL had sent Tariq after re-confirming from the PHF. Tariq was first apprehensive and told me that Tahir Zaman had been saying he (Tariq) would not be included in the camp. Therefore, I called up the PHF and asked for confirmation again and then only asked Tariq to go to Lahore.
“I have come to know that obviously Tariq was bitter and told the PHF secretary if he would be treated like this again, then goodbye and he would not be coming again.
“The secretary was apologetic and told Tariq he would be in the next camp but did not give any reason why our player had been given a shabby treatment. How can he now perform even if he is allowed to join the camp,” Zafar said.
PTCL official said he would have a word with the PHF secretary and Tariq on Thursday.—By Our Sports Reporter
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