ISLAMABAD, Oct 8: Pakistan team's aggressive on-field attitude in their first two matches of Commonwealth Games has delighted former Olympian and captain Shahbaz Ahmad Senior who advised the boys to improve further on their attacking skills if they want to finish on the podium in the mega event.

“Offence is the best defence and our boys must not forget it. They will have to face the best sides like Australia and India in their Pool now and I will suggest they must play aggressive hockey against these teams also,” he said on Thursday.

“Both Pakistan and Australia play open hockey and I think Pakistan have always been a good outfit in such kind of technique,” he said.

Lauding Pakistan's success in the first two fixtures, he said it was a good sign and would help raise players' morale.

“Pakistan have not been performing well for the past several years and the success in initial matches of this event will definitely raise players' level of confidence in the coming competitions,” he added.

The legend, whose electric dribbling earned him praise from all over the world, recalled that when he started playing for Pakistan he had made a commitment with himself that he would excel in the sport. “I first vowed that I will become the best player in the Pakistan outfit. And when I became an important figure of my team, I promised to become the best player in the world,” he said.

He asked the players to work harder and play with full strength. “Don't allow pressure to affect your performance. Just play your natural game with full dedication if you really want to regain lost glory.”

Shahbaz, who played a major role in Pakistan's wins at the 1994 World Cup in Sydney and the 1994 Champions Trophy in Lahore, was also of the view that at present there was no figure in the PHF whom the current players could look up to. “Pakistan is lucky to have people like Shahnaz Sheikh, Samiullah, Kaleemullah, Khalid Mehmood and Islahuddin but it is unfortunate that their services are not being utilised,” he lamented.—AP