KARACHI, July 6: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to invest in technology in a bid to bring the national team at par with the world’s best teams ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

To help their players attain better fitness and speed, the PHF has decided to buy state-of-the-art devices from Europe.

According to PHF secretary Asif Bajwa, leading teams are already using devices that enable their players to increase their speed in the game.

“We have decided to buy new devices specifically made to help players increase their speed. 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,” said Bajwa.

“We are willing to spend on anything that can help boost our Olympic preparations.”

The PHF is getting advice from its Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel and other experts working with the national team.

Three-time Olympic champion Pakistan flopped miserably in a four-nation Rabo Trophy in Amsterdam last week.

“Pakistan’s biggest problem is that its players are not as fit as the Australians, the Dutch and the Germans,” said Bajwa.

“Even Asian teams like South Korea and China have better fitness. Our team certainly needs a lot of improvement before we start fancying our chances.”—PPI