KARACHI, July 9: Former Olympian and hockey legend Anwar Ahmed Khan said on Saturday that Pakistan hockey was “dead and buried” after debacle in Junior World Cup in Rotterdam (Netherlands).

“This the biggest blow for national sport and it may take decades to recover. This is most pathetic display by the boys I had ever seen,” he said.

He blamed Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) setup including president, secretary, selection committee and team management for the disastrous result.

“They should all pack and go home after such a disappointing showing in the last five years,” he maintained.

Awnar said PHF formed an Advisory Panel but according to his reports they were never consulted in any matter, including appointment of coaches, managers, selection committee and captain.

Anwar, a great centre half of his era, said he was so ashamed at the debacle that he wanted his name to be detached from the sport.

He revealed that it was utter surprise to see so many coaches involved in team training including some of them who had never played any level of hockey. “Too many cooks spoil the broth in such a scenario,” he pointed out.

Pakistan failed to qualify for the semifinal and were due to play for seventh playoff with South Korea.

Former captain Hasan Sardar said that he was highly disappointed with the performance of Pakistan in Junior World Cup and failed to understand what had gone wrong with them.

“Personally I rated them high as junior boys showed steady progress during the past few months. Despite these poor results. I don’t think that Pakistan hockey future is bleak,” he claimed.

“It was difficult to analyze the performance of the boys because matches were not shown on television. It could be psychological problem,” he added.

He dispelled the impressions that boys were tired. “They are young lot and they should not be tired. They are professionals and this statement is not justified,” Hasan Sardar, who is also member selection committee said.—APP