KARACHI, Nov. 14: Former Olympian Khawaja Zakauddin on Wednesday took charge of the training camp of the Pakistan team which has been set-up for the 29th Champions Trophy hockey tournament, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 29.

Former Pakistan captain Zaka was named the chief coach of the team by Chief Mir Zafarullah Jamali following an injury to Islahuddin Siddiqui on Nov 11.

Zaka watched the practice match between Colours and Whites on Wednesday and closely monitored the players’ performance soon after arriving from Lahore in the afternoon.

“Bringing in some talented youngsters in the Pakistan line-up could prove a blessing in disguise,” he told newsmen at the Hockey Club of Pakistan. “Same can be said about the injuries to experienced deep defenders Imran Warsi and Ihsanullah,” he said.

“With supporting team management, my job would be to ensure that Pakistan display good show in Malaysia,” he maintained. “I firmly believe in attacking hockey and would be looking forward to inculcate the same spirit among the boys,” he added.—APP