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KARACHI: Ever wonder how Australia became such a big hockey powerhouse and left kings Pakistan in their trails? Fitness, technology and efficient coaching methods are the keywords.

But realization is key and it seem Pakistan hockey chiefs have now decided to invest heavily on technology in a bid to bring their team at par with the world’s best sides ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in London.

The three-time Olympic champions Pakistan finished last in the recently concluded four-nation Rabo Trophy which featured European giants Germany, England and Netherlands. It was evidence of the fact that while the ‘greenshirts’ were still a top contender in Asia, there standing on the world stage still left a lot to be desired.

It is also clear that Pakistan possess the necessary skill, just not top-level fitness to comeback into games after being put to the test. A prime example to follow are former Asian Champions South Korea, who through fitness and exemplary speed have left Pakistan and India well behind.

Top Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials concede that their players certainly need to make huge strides if they are to entertain any hopes of a podium finish at the 2012 London Olympics.

“Our team certainly needs a lot of improvement before we start fancying our chances of winning the Olympic title,” Asif Bajwa, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary, told a local paper.

“What we desperately need at the moment is to increase the speed of our players,” said Bajwa, a former Olympian.

“It is of utmost importance because without that we won’t be able to beat top teams.”

To give a boost to the players, the federation has decided to invest in state-of-the-art equipment from Europe. According to the secretary, the technology is standard practice for most top teams but it will be new for the Pakistan setup.

“We will make it sure that our players have access to any kind of technology that is being used by other teams so that they prepare well for the Olympic Games. We are willing to spend on anything that can help boost our Olympic preparations.”