KARACHI, Sept 27: The rebuilding process of the Pakistan hockey team after the debacle in Beijing Olympics starts with the Hamburg Masters Hockey Tournament, being held in Germany from Oct 3 to 5.

“Yes, we would be launching a fresh effort to revive Pakistan hockey with an eye on 2010 Asian Games,” Manger-cum-chief coach Jahangir Butt said here on Saturday.

A 23-member Pakistan squad is due to leave for Hamburg on Sept 30 to take part in the three-day competition.

He said he has no knowledge about the future plan of Pakistan Hockey Federation because he had been appointed the manager as a makeshift arrangement after the resignation of Khawaja Zakauddin.

He said under new captain Shakeel Abbasi and new-look Pakistan team, under new management with fresh plans will be launched in Hamburg. “We know Pakistan hockey is down and a gigantic effort is required to revive it. Hamburg Masters will be a good platform to know the strength of the national side,” he maintained.

With ten new boys, mostly from the junior team, will also feature in the team. “In presence of teams like World and Olympic Champion Germany, Belgium and Malaysia, it will be great exposure and experience for the youngsters,” said Jahangir. “It will be a good opportunity for the youngsters with fresh legs to prove their potential in Hamburg.”

Pakistan will see Muhammad Imran, Kashif Ali and junior team captain Muhammad Ateeq in deep defence who will replace Zeeshan Ashraf and Imran Warsi.—APP