July 02, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 27, 1429

LAHORE, July 1: Pakistan hockey head coach Khawaja Zakauddin has said the recently concluded Champions Trophy proves all teams have equal chances of winning gold medal in the Olympics.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday on the side of the training pitch when a practice game was in session at the National Hockey Stadium here, Zaka said he was optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of winning the event though they failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.

“The Champions Trophy shows any team can lose and any team can win. Every game will be different – new strategies will be adopted against each team and different patterns will be used,” the head coach said.

He emphasised the need for adaptability and said the team had its strength in its middle line and forwards, describing the team’s trademark breakaway pillar as being ‘unbeatable’.

He also suggested emulating Argentina’s strategy of using double back formula in defence.

Zaka lauded team’s efforts at the recently concluded four-nation tournament in Ireland which Pakistan won.

About goalkeeper Salman Akbar, he said his form slumped during the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia but the team management decided to keep faith with him in order to restore his confidence.

He told Dawn the keeper’s main weakness was his tendency to leave a gap between his legs when defending low shots, and said that both keepers were being encouraged to take the initiative by tackling opposing team’s forwards.

Earlier, Asif Bajwa after taking the charge of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary told reporters there would be no major changes till the Olympics.

About outgoing PHF secretary who was given the job of PHF vice-president, Bajwa said: “I requested Khalid Mahmood that if he wants to continue to support the team, I will be very happy.”

He said that as secretary he would aim to facilitate the team management and players in order to boost their confidence.

He added that nationwide U-15, U-16 and U-17 programmes would be unveiled in coming days and a comprehensive hockey development plan would follow the Olympics.