August 27, 2008	Wednesday	Sha'aban 24, 1429

LAHORE, Aug 26: The head coach of Pakistan’s hockey team on Tuesday resigned after a dismal show at the Beijing Olympics, where the former powerhouse finished eighth, saying he was deeply disappointed.

Pakistan, who have won the Olympics three times and the world championships four times, failed to reach the semi-final for a second Games in a row after finishing fifth in Athens in 2004.

“I am deeply disappointed at the team’s disastrous performance,” said Zakauddin, who led Pakistan to their worst-ever Olympic finish, losing to New Zealand in the classification match.

“I take responsibility for the defeats and the poor finish and it’s now time for new people to take over. I wish Pakistan hockey the best.” Deputy coach Naved Alam is due to follow suit in a press conference planned for Wednesday but captain Zeeshan Ashraf said he has no intention of leaving.

Zakauddin said the top four teams were far better than his side.

“The semi-finalists —Germany, Spain, Australia and the Netherlands — were far more superior than us and we have to lift ourselves enormously to match them in future,” said the 71-year-old former Olympian.

Germany added the Olympic title to their world championship by beating Spain 1-0 in the final in Beijing on Saturday.

Australia finished third. South Korea were the best performing Asian team, finishing sixth but eight-time Olympic champions India failed to even qualify.

By finishing eighth, Pakistan were also ousted from the annual elite-six Champions Trophy later this year. They will also have to qualify for the World Cup to be held in India in 2010.— AFP