DOHA, Dec 3: New-look Pakistan will settle for nothing less than a top-two finish at the Asian Games field hockey after being denied a podium finish for the first time in Busan four years ago.

In what was described as the lowest point in Pakistan's chequered sporting history, they lost to India in the semi-finals at Busan and were knocked out by Malaysia in the bronze medal play-off.

Pakistan, whose seven gold medals is an Asian Games field hockey record, were kept off the podium for the first time since the sport was introduced in the continental games at Tokyo in 1958.

If that was not enough, Pakistan ended a disappointing sixth at the recent World Cup in Germany in September even as their main rivals and Asian Games defending champions South Korea finished fourth.

Like India, who were 11th out of 12 at the World Cup, Pakistan know they must bounce back in Doha to keep the sport alive in their cricket-mad nation or face an uncertain future at the international level.

Pakistan, who have not won a major title since the Shahbaz Ahmed-inspired World Cup triumph in Sydney in 1994, resorted to a stunning overhaul of the national side to make a new start at the Asian Games.

Five senior players, including captain Mohammad Saqlain and the world's most successful penalty-corner hitter Sohail Abbas, were sacked after they skipped a training camp to honour lucrative contracts with foreign clubs.

Former striker Shahnaz Sheikh, who was brought back as coach, believes the infusion of young blood in the squad was a step in the right direction.

“Those senior players were in the side for a long time but did not produce the desired results,” Sheikh told AFP during his team's training session at the Al-Rayyan field hockey stadium.

“It was time to let young players in and make a new start.

“We want to be in the final so that we can qualify directly for the Beijing Olympics. And I am confident we will finish among the top two with South Korea.”According to the new qualifying rules drawn up by the International Hockey Federation, the gold and silver medallists in both the men and women events in Doha will earn direct spots in the 2008 Olympics.

If China finishes among the top two, the third-placed team will make the trip to Beijing.

Striker Rehan Butt will lead the young Pakistanis who are placed in group A alongside Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in the preliminary league.

Group B comprises South Korea, India, China, Bangladesh and Oman with the top two in each group qualifying for the semi-finals.

A proud Butt, 26, dismissed fears that the absence of veteran players will weaken Pakistan.

“We will not miss the senior players because this team is capable of reaching the final,” he said.

“I have been playing for Pakistan for four years and the only regret is that we could not win a title in that time. Hopefully, it will be different this time.”Pakistan's opening match on Monday is against their Busan tormenters Malaysia, a challenge that Butt relished.

“Malaysia is our first target and once we beat them, I am sure the other teams will start to take us seriously,” said the captain who regards former hockey star Islahuddin and cricket legend Imran Khan as his heroes.

Butt and the dazzling Shakeel Abbasi form a potent strike force capable of destroying the best defence. The duo will decide Pakistan's fate in the do-or-die campaign.—AFP