“But as much as I was happy to see our tennis star being given a hero's welcome, I was also a bit sad for 16 other young men, who took us to the final of an Olympic event after 27 years, and who weren't really given as much credit as they rightfully deserve,” said Junaid while speaking to Dawn on Thursday.

“Like Aisam, my boys, too, came back home after reaching the final of a very prestigious event. They deserve to be hailed as heroes as well,” he added.

“After all, it was no mean feat that they achieved. Only six teams qualified to play at the first Youth Olympics and being crowned Asian champions in last year's U-18 Junior Asia Cup in Myanmar, they had earned their right to feature in the event.

“They were the top team from Asia at the first edition of the Youth Games, which was in itself a historic occasion and something to cheer about. In the final, they lost 1-2 to none other than Australia, and that, too, after putting on a tough fight. I am so proud of them,” he stated.

The chief coach/manager lamented the fact that not a single Pakistani channel telecast their matches whereas the Games were being covered live by 1,000 (one thousand) television channels from all over the world.

“Hockey is our national game and our junior team's achievements are a good omen for the future of hockey in the country.

“Being proud, responsible, patriotic Pakistani's, the youngsters also dedicated their silver medal to the flood affected people of the country. In return they, too, deserved a little appreciation from the media and the people of this country,” Junaid concluded.