KARACHI, April 1: Olympian Samiullah on Friday took a U-turn by reversing his decision of resigning as the Pakistan hockey team manager following a meeting with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief Tariq Kirmani.

Sami had tendered his resignation in protest after PHF appointed two additional coaches for the senior team.

“PHF chief gave me a patient hearing and authorised me to appoint coaches for the senior team” said Sami. “Under the changed circumstances and scenario, I have decided to continue as manager of the team in the larger interest of national hockey.”

Sami, who is also the member of PHF advisory panel, said he conveyed his feelings to the PHF president after the appointment of unqualified coaches “without his consent and knowledge.”

He said PHF boss tried to contact PHF secretary Brig Musarrat Ullah Khan in Kuala Lumpur but was unable to reach him.

Former captain said PHF president would discuss the issue with the secretary on his return from Malaysia where he had gone to attend a meeting.

“Now I have been authorised to pick and name the senior team coaches and the PHF secretary has to issue orders on their appointment,” he said.

“Mr Kirmani has given me a free hand in this regard.”

He, however, said senior team coaches Asif Bajwa and Rana Mujahid would continue as coaches, while additional coaches Mohammad Farooq and Rana Zaheer had been removed.

Pakistan senior team’s next assignment is the three-match tsunami series against arch-rivals India in Karachi (April 22) Colombo (April 25) and Chandigarh or New Delhi (April 28).—APP