ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 Pakistan's leading forward Rehan Butt was declared the 'Best Asian Player' by the Asian Hockey Federation in Malaysia on Saturday.

Speaking to Dawn,Rehan said “It is an honour for me to be selected as one of the best Rehan Butt ... an honour for Pakistan.

Asian hockey players.”

Rehan has represented Pakistan in 80 international matches and was named player of the tournament twice during his stint with the national squad.

Regarding his selection as the best Asian player he remarked, “It was my individual performance marked by the Asian hockey managers in World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Olympics.”

Rehan was also nominated by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) along with Jong Ho Seo of South Korea in the World All-Star hockey team.

Rehan said “Currently I am playing with Learn Hockey Club in The Netherlands on a contract of 20,000 Euros for six months.”

Learn hockey club, was ranked at No 11 the second lowest among 12 hockey clubs.

The club, he pointed out now ranks sixth after some top players from Asia and Europe joined them. “I am currently the top scorer of the club with nine goals,” he said.

About his future commitments Rehan pointed out “I will be featuring in the Dutch League from February to May next year and will be available for the Asia Cup and other major international events.” The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held next year in Dubai.

“ I am willing,” he said, “to play for Pakistan but the top Pakistan Hockey Federation bosses had mentioned that they only need senior players in important international fixtures.”

He added “I will not be playing in the upcoming four nation hockey tournament as the priority of the federation is to give a chance to junior players.”