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KARACHI Pakistans star drag-flick specialist Sohail Abbas has expressed his satisfaction over his team qualifying for next years Hockey World Cup and he was setting bigger goals to excel.
'We have crossed the first hurdle and it's my dream to achieve something extra for the country in New Delhi World Cup in 2010,' he told APP in an interview here on Wednesday.
'My dream is to accomplish something big for the country like winning World Cup or Olympic gold. It's difficult but not impossible,' he added.
'We need a major title for revival of hockey in the country to attract the youngsters towards this sport', he noted.
'There were some apprehensions in our camp after the cancellation of our matches in the European tour ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in Lille but boys battled against the odds to emerge triumphant,' he remarked.
Abbas recalled that cold and rainy weather created problems for some players but experience of senior players of playing in European league paid dividend and proved handy.
'Like anybody else, I was disappointed when we lost to Korea in Asia Cup despite playing well in the final in May this year. But we are happy that we have qualified for the global event.'
The world record-holding goal-scorer in international hockey, Sohail Abbas said he was satisfied that he played his part in the success of the team with nine goals and his conversion rate was around 80%.
'It's a good feeling creating records and all that but winning a major title for the country is my main objective,' Sohail Abbas vowed.
He said Pakistan needs to play more and more international matches in the next three months in preparations and build-up for the up coming World Cup.
'By playing more internationals we can develop good combinations and enhance understanding among players,' he maintained.
He praised coach Shahid Ali Khan and Manager Asif Bajwa for their contribution in the success of the team.
He said during training camps the penalty corner strikers were feeling that Shahid and Bajwa were overburdening them during drills in France but 'it proved good for us.'
Hockey star said the ball-stoppage which was not up to mark in Asia Cup was very good which helped him to score nine goals. 'The drills in the camp proved good for us,' he said.
Commenting on the junior players, he said forwards Haseem Khan and Zubair, mid-fielders Fareed, Rashid had bright futures ahead of them if they keep working harder.
He said experienced forwards like Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and veteran half back Waseem Ahmed played their part with the rest of team members.
He praised Captain Zeeshan Ashraf and his penalty corner partner Muhammad Imran for their great efforts in holding the defense.
