LAHORE, Dec 26: Former Olympian and hockey captain Rashid-ul-Hasan has demanded removal of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Akhtar-ul-Islam as a first step to revamp the national game.

"Akhtar-ul-Islam is one of the last remaining officials from the previous set-up which ruled the federation for six years and is equally responsible for decline of hockey in the country,” said Rashid. “PHF president, Zafarullah Khan Jamali should remove him forthwith to bring stability into the hockey affairs.”

Talking to journalists on Tuesday Rashid pointed out that Akhtar, instead of guiding the PHF President to take measures for improving the performance of the national team following the Asian Games debacle, had needlessly engaged him into dirty politics at the provincial levels.

"So far the PHF president appears to be sorting out the political issues in Karachi, NWFP, and Punjab while much bigger issues relating to the national team have been put aside," he said.

Rashid suggested that Akhtar should be replaced with some well-known and experienced Olympian or official.

Commenting on the unavailability of the senior players including Mohammad Saqlain, Sohail Abbas and Wasim Ahmed, he said they were a spent up force and there was no need to recall them into the squad.

"The seniors have completed their tenure and it is better to focus on the bunch which featured in the Asian Games and groom them for the next Olympics," he suggested.