KARACHI, July 25: Pakistan hockey lost a junior team player, goalkeeper Adeel Anwar, who drowned in a canal while taking a bath after training in Gojra on Sunday. Adeel, who mostly played as a reserve. The under-21 Asia Cup tournament organized in Karachi where Pakistan finished as losing finalists, was Adeel's last assignment.

His death cast a pal of gloom at the senior training camp which has few youngsters from the junior team. Tariq Aziz and Akhtar Ali, two of the junior players called up for the camp here by coach Roelant Oltmans, were particularly saddened by the news of their team-mate's death.

"I am deeply shocked. I and Adeel had training just three or four days ago. We have also played together for Gojra Sports Club," said Akhtar who has been called for tour of Spain.

"Adeel and Pakistan junior number one goalkeeper Mohammad Iqbal had gone for a bath after training. Adeel drowned in deep water, while Iqbal managed to swim to the bank. Iqbal called for help but it was too late.

"Adeel was planning to go to Dubai to see his ailing brother there. I still can't believe that he is no more with us. We all are deeply saddened and talked about Adeel after training today," Akhtar said.

Tariq, who will tour Spain and is also in Athens Olympic squad, said Adeel's death had saddened him and his junior team colleagues. Imran Warsi, junior team's penalty corner specialist, also joined his team members and expressed deep sorrow, saying "Adeel's death is tragic and we will miss him."

Asif Bajwa, under whose coaching Adeel played in the Jr Asia Cup last April, also expressed grief over the tragedy. "Adeel was a fine player and good prospect for Pakistan. He was a talented goalkeeper, although he mostly played as a reserve goalie," the coach said from Lahore. Adeel was laid to rest in Gojra on Sunday night.