August 10, 2006	Thursday	Rajab 14, 1427

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KARACHI, Aug 9: While Pakistan hockey is likely to be at a crossroad after next month’s World Cup with several senior players facing the axe, junior team manager Manzoor Jr says he is not prepared to let any of his players graduate at this stage.

“I have just taken over. It is for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to decide whether replacements are needed after the World Cup.

“But what I can tell you is that I will not send any of my players to the senior squad at least for the next two years,” Manzoor told Dawn on Wednesday after his return from Singapore.

The former Olympian managed the junior squad well in Singapore as they clinched the winner’s title in the invitational four-nation tournament that also involved archrivals India, Malaysia and hosts Singapore.

Manzoor said the reason for sticking with the present bunch of players for another two years was that they lacked experience and that he wanted to groom the youngsters further.

“They (players) are raw at the moment. I want to groom them and put them on fast track by teaching and polishing their basic skills.

“I don’t think that they would be able to cope up with pressure if any of them is drafted directly into the senior squad after the World Cup,” he opined.

The manager, however, said the juniors might be able to replace senior players after the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

It is obvious that Pakistan will be showing the door to a number of seniors after the Sept 6 to 17 hockey extravaganza in Monchengladbach, Germany — something that was indicated by former coach Asif Bajwa before the team’s departure for Terrassa Champions Trophy.

Asked about the future plans for the junior side, Manzoor said a European tour should be planned early next year and at least 20 to 22 players should be identifid for the assignment.

“I strongly believe that there should be a European tour and there must be at least 20 to 22 boys to prepare a formidable squad for the Junior Asia Cup,” he said.

However, when asked whether some European outfits should be invited, he rejected the idea, saying “I want a European tour as the political scenario is not allowing teams to visit Pakistan.”

Manzoor favoured the idea of holding a Pakistan-India series on junior level on annual basis. “Matches against India are necessary since hockey is at its competitive best when Pakistan and Indian face each other.”

Manzoor said he would soon be meeting PHF secretary in Lahore during which a activity programme would be chalk-out for the juniors.

The manager said he was satisfied with the performance of the junior team in Singapore but he made it clear to the players that it was just the beginning.

“There is no room for complacency. We will now plan for our next activity. What we did in Singapore is history,” the manager said.