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LAHORE, July 12: The national squad was advised by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief late Thursday night not to be overconfident during the forthcoming international events.
President of the PHF, Gen Aziz Khan, said the players should neither take the opponents easy nor come under pressure while playing during the upcoming tournaments.
Pakistan will play four Tests in Spain before appearing at Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Champions Trophy in Cologne.
Speaking at a reception before the squad’s departure for Spain, the PHF chief warned it was the overconfidence due to which many favourites were ousted from the recently concluded football World Cup.
However, he pointed out the present squad had its positive and negative aspects.
“The negative point is, the team has not earned a big title for the last many years. But the positive point is the team has improved in every department of the game,” he said.
Gen Aziz said a win during the tour would be encouraging for both, the team and the PHF. He asked the players to improve theirs basic technique of the game.
He said the PHF had provided the best facilities to the players and they should earn victories for the country.
The PHF has secured a Rs five million sponsorship for the tour. LG and Pakistan State Oil are the sponsors with the former sharing the major share of the amount.
Meanwhile, the 18-member squad left for Spain early Friday morning.
APP adds: Terming Pakistan team “one of the best among top teams in world,” Gen Aziz urged the players to grab glory for the country.
“There is no doubt that you are the best and what nation expects from you is encouraging results which I am optimistic you will attain in the coming three assignments, tour of Spain, Manchester Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy,” he maintained.
“It is a matter of just to click and a combination of timely adoption of techniques and execution of chances can guide you to success,” he added.
“We have high hopes with the team and its management and everyone is looking forward to see its hockey team once again hoisting Pakistan flag up and up,” he said.
Giving useful tips to the players, he urged them to match the game plan and strategies of opponents and do not try to stick to one technique, plan or style.
“Avail the chances in split of a second and create openings and fully attempt the opportunities which come across,” he said.
“It will be a challenging tour and demands best of your qualities, hard work, style, technique, stamina and speed, go and display it and I am sure success will be yours,” he said.
“Play with undying spirit till the last moment and never give up,” he said.
Gen Aziz emphasised the need to create liaison between the team and its management to cope with all types of situation in a match.
“If there is no coordination between the two then the team cannot fight to best of its abilities,” he maintained.
He expressed the hope that the new management of manager Col Zafar Ali and coach Tahir Zaman will effort to turn the team in a fighting and winning combination.
Gen Aziz praised the role of co-sponsors, LG Electronics and Pakistan State Oil for extending financial assistance to PHF and said it will go a long way in the promotion of hockey.
