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LAHORE: President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia has expressed optimism by saying that careers of senior players have not over as yet and they have ample time to prove fitness for the 2012 London Olympics.
“The national team has to play around 50-odd international matches in the run-up to the Olympics and the best team would be selected two months prior travelling to London,” Qasim said, while talking to media on Friday.
The selectors have picked the national team for the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy starting in China from Sept 3, while axing three senior players — Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt and Salman Akbar.
PHF president said though he has no role to comment on the fate of seniors, the federation abides by its policy to give fair chance to every player provided the player shows fitness to get place in the team. He stated that youngsters are selected in the national team for the China trip with the aim of giving them international exposure.
“It’s the best time for juniors to show their talent to be strong contenders for selection in future,” he maintained, adding that the team has potential to win the title in China.
PHF chief hoped that the blue colour astroturf would be laid at the National Hockey Stadium by the end of the year. The Punjab government, he added, has released the required funds and now it is up to the Punjab Sports Board to invite tenders for the project.
