June 12, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 07, 1429

DUBLIN, June 11: Two of Pakistan’s technical officials will make their debut in international hockey by officiating in the 4-nation hockey tournament being played here.

Former Olympian Muhammad Ikhlaq will commence his career as a tournament judge while Ahsanullah Babar will take the field as an umpire in the tournament featuring Pakistan, Britain, Canada and hosts Ireland, according to a message received here on Wednesday.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed the two officials on the recommendation of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AFH).

Ikhlaq of National Bank of Pakistan, who represented the country in 1992 Barcelona Olympics as a fullback, told reporters: “I am glad to remain attached with hockey and am confident to perform my duties as a judge.” Babar from Rawalpindi, who has umpired a number of matches in domestic tournaments, said: “I don't see any pressure on myself while supervising the first international game of my career and hopefully everything will be fine.”

Both said their appointments were part of the PHF plan to groom technical officials.—APP