Dutch coach Michel Van is set to continue his work with the Pakistan hockey team until the London 2010 Olympics. —AFP/File Photo
Dutch coach Michel Van is set to continue his work with the Pakistan hockey team until the London 2010 Olympics. —AFP/File Photo
LAHORE: With the exception of the Dutch coach, all members of the national senior and junior hockey teams’ management as well as of the national selection committee will be removed from their posts as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) bids to revamp the two departments in view of the tough upcoming assignments.

Well-informed sources in the PHF told Dawn that since head coach Michel van de Heuvel had signed a two-year agreement till 2012 London Olympics, he will continue with his duties while chief selector Hanif Khan alongwith fellow selectors namely Mohammad Usman, Arshad Chaudhary, Mussadiq Hussain will be removed. Similarly, manager of the senior team Khawaja Junaid and assistant coach Ahmad Alam will also be replaced along with junior team coaches Ajmal Khan, Danish Kaleem and Anjum Saeed.

Sources said the decision will be implemented after getting the approval of the Executive Board which will meet in mid-December.

“The PHF has been planning to implement these changes since the World Cup debacle and is keen to bring in the best possible, professionally sound personnel in the two department to boost its preparations for the upcoming assignments,” sources said.

Sources added that the PHF was mindful of the fact that its responsibilities had been increased after winning the Asian Games and a revisit to these departments is essential before going ahead with any plan.

Sources said it is likely that some senior Olympians, who were quite vocal in their campaign against the PHF after failures in the World Cup and the CW Games, could also be drafted in the hockey federation and will be encouraged to join hands in the mission to strengthen Pakistan hockey.

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