8 April 2005	Friday	28 Safar 1426

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KARACHI, April 7: Hockey will continue whether short corner executioner Sohail Abbas and former captain Waseem Ahmad report or not at the national hockey training camp. “We are not bothered whether they (Sohail and Waseem) are coming back or not,” president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Tariq Kirmani said on Thursday.

He stated this while responding to a query whether PHF had asked Sohail and Waseem to come out of retirement to join the camp. PHF has invited both Sohail and Waseem for the national camp set up from Wednesday at Hockey Club of Pakistan for series against India and May’s Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia. Both have failed to report.

The pair had announced retirement from international hockey after Lahore Champions Trophy last December, saying they wanted to make room for youngsters.

The PHF chief said Sohail had met him in the past and told he wanted to give time to the family but was available for big events.

Waseem, however, in a press statement had categorically said he had no plans to stage a comeback and added he would only be available for important assignments like Champions Trophy and the World Cup.

In the meantime, Sohail held a meeting with PHF chief at HCP for nearly 20 minutes details of which were not available.

Pakistan team manager Samillullah said Sohail would be discussing about joining the camp with his family members before making up his mind.

“He is a bit confused right now but will confirm to PHF within next 48 hours,” he added.—APP