August 21, 2008	Thursday	Sha'aban 18, 1429

BEIJING, Aug. 20: Pakistan hockey team’s manager-cum-chief-coach Khawaja Zakauddin on Wednesday accepted blame of Pakistan team’s debacle in the Olympic Games Hockey Tournament here.

“We failed to perform as a team and I am deeply disappointed with the performance of boys and the overall results,” he said in a telephonic interview from the Olympic Village here. “I fully accept the blame of team’s poor showing in Beijing. We need to strengthen the base of Pakistan hockey and need at least 100 quality players at the national level to revive the game,” he said.

Zaka categorically denied that he has resigned as the manager and said he never had any discussions with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief Mir Zafarullah Jamali on the subject.

The former Olympian who took over as chief coach from ex-captain Islahuddin Siddiqui before last year Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur, said his assignment would be ending with the Olympic Games. “How can I resign when Pakistan has still to play one more match on Thursday. I will announce my decision after reaching home,” he said.

“It really hurts. But it’s a reality and we have to face it,” he commented on Pakistan’s show at the Games. “We are really lagging behind in the sport and must launch a comprehensive revamping program to revive hockey in the country.”

He said PHF should fully focus its energies on the Asian Games now which are scheduled to be held in Guangzhou in 2010. “A gigantic effort is required to achieve good position in the Asian Games,” he emphasised. “By playing regularly against India, Korea, Japan and China, our team can regain confidence.”—APP