August 31, 2007	Friday	Sha'aban 17, 1428

LAHORE, Aug 30: Pakistan’s hockey team manager Islahuddin is confident of his team’s good showing in the Asia Cup at Chennai, India.

In a message from Chennai on Thursday, the former Olympian said the team was in good spirits and eager to put up a strong challenge in the event which opens on Friday. “It is going to be a tough event and a test for this team on how it is progressing. I am confident of a good performance from the boys in the tournament,” he said.

Pakistan takes on Hong Kong in their first match on Friday. “The team is in fine fettle and inspite of the fact that the hot and humid weather is pretty much unbearable here, our players are determined to give out their best,” he added.

Commenting on the make-up of the tournament, Islah said defending champions India as well as other teams includ-ing South Korea, China, Malaysia and Japan were likely to pose a strong challenge to Pakistan.

The team has been going through intensive training since their arrival at Chennai and on Thursday were joined by goalkeeper Nasir whose departure from Pakistan was delayed for some technical reasons.—APP