KARACHI: Manager-cum-chief-coach of Pakistan hockey team Shahnaz Shaikh has said that the players were elated after witnessing the facilities at the Islahuddin-Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah Hockey Academy in North Nazimabad during their visit on Friday.

“Playing on the blue turf also provided an opportunity to players to acquaint themselves with the facility as the upcoming Champions Trophy will be played on a similar pitch,” he told a select gathering after conducting a training session at the academy on Friday.

The Incheon Asian Games silver medalists together with other camp trainees and officials visited the academy at an invitation of chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui who imparts training to youth there. The players had a two-hour workout besides playing one quarter against the academy team followed by penalty shootout drills from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Later, the players and officials offered Friday prayers in a nearby mosque

Pakistan players visit impressive venue at Islahuddin’s invitation

Terming the academy as the ‘best’ in the country, Shahnaz said its status can be elevated among the best in Asia provided a gymnasium and a swimming pool is added to it.

Perturbed over the prevailing atmosphere in the country, he identified terrorism and internet/video games as the two key factors behind the deteriorating sports and healthy activities in the country. “The average height of a Pakistani used to be approximately 5’11” at the time of the Partition, but it has now come down to 5’6” and 5’7”,” observed Shahnaz.

He regretted that the lack of interest shown in sports and physical activities by the youth has paved the way for land mafia to encroach the play grounds. The former Olympian also disclosed that his academy was under construction in Rawalpindi and hopefully will be completed by April next year. Appreciating the provincial government for constructing the academy, he advised them to build another such facility with a residential block attached to it.

Shahnaz commended the untiring efforts of late Dr Mohammad Ali Shah who during his tenure as the Sindh Sports Minister and president of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) made his mark in the sports arena by provision of infrastructure and supporting sportspersons whole-heartedly.

He thanked Islah for inviting the national team and officials and the family of the Orthopaedic surgeon – his wife Dr Asma Shah and sons Imran and Junaid – for carrying the legacy of the deceased.

Speaking on the occasion, Islahuddin thanked Shahnaz and his team for visiting the academy. The ceremony was also attended amongst others by provincial Sports and Youth Affairs secretary Laeeq Ahmed, secretary PHF Rana Mujahid, Dr Asma Shah, Dr Imran Ali Shah and Dr Junaid Ali Shah.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2014