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HAMBURG, June 17: Pakistan take on South Korea in the first match of the four-nation Masters hockey tournament in rainy and cool conditions on Friday. "Slowly but surely, we have started to achieve the purpose of this three-leg European tour," Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans said.
Germany and Argentina are the other teams taking part in the tournament. Pakistan finished runners-up in the three-nation tournament in England last week before losing twice in Test matches against world champions Germany in Berlin earlier this week.
Pakistan will compete in another four-nation tournament in Amsterdam next week with India and hosts the Netherlands as other participants. "The major purpose of this tour is to raise a strong combination for the Olympics," the Dutchman, hired by Pakistan Hockey Federation last December, said.
"I am trying different combinations and observing weaknesses and strengths of other teams. We have started getting benefit as we will play these teams in Athens." Meanwhile, daytime temperature is below 20 degree Celsius for the last two days after drizzle and cool winds.
Pakistan play South Korea 7.30pm (Pakistan Standard Time) on Friday, will clash against Argentina at 4.30pm on Saturday, before taking on Germany on Sunday. -APP
-To tour Spain from July 30
LAHORE, June 17: Pakistan hockey team will tour Spain from July 30 to Aug 1 to take part in a three-nation tournament. Argentina will be the third outfit apart from Pakistan and hosts. Pakistan play Argentina on July 31 and Spain on Aug 1.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has planned the schedule for the national team as part of build-up to Athens Olympics which begin from Aug 13. However, PHF did not plan a single tournament in Pakistan depriving the local fans from watching their home team in action against top outfits.
