August 22, 2008	Friday	Sha'aban 19, 1429

BEIJING, Aug 21: Pakistan hockey Captain Zeehan Ashraf has apologised to the nation for his team’s disastrous campaign in the Beijing Olympics where the team finished at worst-ever eighth place in their 60-year Olympic history.

“We feel ashamed for our poor showing in the Olympics and we never thought that we will finish so poorly,” he told APP in an interview on Thursday. “The nation was hoping for good results from us and myself and the team management were also optimistic about it after landing here in Beijing. But it all went horribly wrong,” admitted a dejected-looking Zeeshan.

Commenting on missed chances in the tournament by the players, he said the players should have worked on improving coordination prior to the mega event. “If the players do not check such errors, they can never improve their game,” he stated candidly. “Carrying Pakistan’s flag at the opening ceremony was my greatest moment in sport. But finishing eighth in the Olympics is the worst time of my life,” he said. “It really is a bad feeling and disappointing that we failed to live up to the expectations of the nation.”

The 31-year-old Zeeshan, who has played 297 internationals for the country, said each and every player and official should take the blame for the disappointing result in the event.

“Nothing went our way since the very first game against Great Britain which we lost unexpectedly. It was a crucial fixture and the defeat had a damaging impact on the team’s morale.”

Speaking about the future strategy, Zeeshan called for introducing qualified coaches for the team with special focus on coaching and training of youngsters.

“These youngsters should be a dedicated bunch who would work hard and are fitness freaks besides being abreast with the latest techniques,” he maintained.—APP