KARACHI: Celebrated former Olympian goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan, who was part of the ongoing training camp of Pakistan team, has left the camp in disgust against the apathy of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) hierarchy, it emerged on Thursday.

“Yes I have left the camp after getting step-motherly treatment from the PHF,” the veteran goalkeeper confirmed to Dawn.

“I’d joined the camp on the request of the team manager Hasan Sardar who held out an assurance that I’ll be part of the panel of coaches who will travel with the national team abroad,” said the 1984 Los Angels Olympic gold medalist.

Shahid, who had numerous medals under his belt including the 1981-82 Mumbai World Cup, alleged that he left the camp after he learnt that his name was not sent for the Commonwealth Games by the PHF.

He called upon the PHF president to give respect to the Pakistan coaches. “I’d travelled a lot but it was a breach of commitment,” said Shahid, who had coached Malaysian goalkeepers and improved their system.

He added that the Pakistan team goalkeepers were worried as machines alone can’t improve their techniques and tactics.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2018