Shahnaz said that the grooming of players for the 2012 London Olympics should start from this year's Champions Trophy in December. -AFP Photo

ISLAMABAD: Former Olympian, Shahnaz Sheikh on Friday advised the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to induct players in the team who could last till the 2012 London Olympics.

In an exclusive interview with APP on Friday, Sheikh said that the process of grooming players should start from the Champions trophy in India in December.

He said the true worth of Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvels would be proven if Pakistan triumphed in the Champions Trophy which brings together all the top hockey nations of the world. He said that the Pakistan team needs to improve particularly in the defense before going to India.

Sheikh said team should also take a reserve goalkeeper to any tournament they go to.

Besides, he said, forwards would have to learn to further improve their finishing, adding that team lacks in consistency.

“Our team needs to improve match temperament and physical fitness and for that they should increase their international appearances against top sides,” he told APP.

Sheikh also said that the Hockey Stadium being built at Muslim School Ground in Rawalpindi will host its first ever tournament next month.