September 8, 2003	Monday	Rajab 10, 1424

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LAHORE, Sept 7: Pakistan Hockey captain, Nadeem ND said victory in Asia Cup will be given a tremendous boost to Pakistan hockey and will help to come out of the present scenario in which no major success was achieved in past three years.

“ Success would be a double bonus, helping us to end a victory drought and to come out of the situation of uncertainty and an encouraging performance would help resurrect the future of the game in the country”, said Nadeem

“ Victory has its long term implications and it gives a team a new look and image and infuse much needed confidence and spirit to perform better in the coming tournaments and that we are really looking for”, he added.

Nadeem said the performance shown by the team, barring in one pool match against India, in the Champions Trophy in Holland last month, indicates that it was improving as it dominated against top ranking sides.

“ We need the same spirit, rhythm and understanding in the Asia Cup and I am confident that if we show the same passion nothing can stop us from success”, said the captain who leads the side in his third assignment after lone success of winning the Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year in Malaysia.

The team leader termed the Asia Cup of great importance as victory would help Pakistan for qualifing the 2006 World Cup in Germany. “ Asia Cup has many angles for us and we have to understand its importance”, he added.

Nadeem, who was a vital force in attacks indicated he would call it a day after Athens Olympic next year in August but before that he wants to see his team accomplishing a few tasks, winning the Asia Cup, qualification for the Olympics and finally winning the Olympics.

“ I have been in the team for almost ten years and I would be a lucky captain if the team wins these events and it would a best way to retire”, said Nadeem who started his career in 1994 in the senior team before serving the junior team for years from 1990-4.

“ I know certain goals are hard to achieve but nothing is impossible and I am sure if the team repeats the performance of the Champions Trophy it can win any title”, he maintained.

The Pakistan captain said the team management comprising Rasheed Junior and Tahir Zaman was working effectively on certain short comings in half line and other departments including goalkeeping.

“ As a captain I personally feel that we need to improve in defence besides making extra efforts in the goalkeeping and the team officials are working hard by adopting different measures and drills”, he said.

He said in the Asia Cup the tough rivals are again India and Asian Games Champion South Korea and hosts Malaysia.

“ Every match of Asia Cup is important and my only advise to the team members is to give their best to gift a victory to the nation which is looking forward to it since long” “, he concluded.—APP