LAHORE: Pakistan’s player-coach Rehan Butt hoped the hockey gold at the South Asian Games could help the country revive its former glory in the sport.

Talking to reporters here at the National Hockey Stadium after the team returned from India on Sunday night, Rehan said their victory in Guwahati could mark a turning point for the game.

“This should boost our morale and inspire us to regain our former glory in the game,” Rehan said, referring to Pakistan missing out on qualification to next year’s Olympic Games following their failure to reach the 2014 FIH World Cup.

Having travelled to India as a coach, the Olympian was forced to take to the field after his squad was hit by fitness and visa issues and was a vital cog of the side which beat hosts India 1-0 in the final.

“The Indian supporters were good to us after the final and gave us a standing ovation,” Rehan said.

Despite returning with a gold medal, Rehan said he had no intention of withdrawing his international retirement and said the future was bright for Pakistan.

“I’d like to continue as a coach,” he said. “The players have shown great character and have the potential to represent the Pakistan in the future and take them forward.”

DREAM COMES TRUE FOR AWAIS

Awais-ur-Rehman, who scored the decisive goal in the final, said it was dream come true for him.

“Scoring the winner in such a high-profile match, and that too against India, is a dream of every hockey player in Pakistan,” the 20-year-old said. “It is the greatest moment of my life so far.”

Awais said he was inspired by the legendary Hasan Sardar which is why he played in the same centre-forward position as his idol.

“I hope the new generation of hockey players can take Pakistan back up to the heights they enjoyed in the past,” the Sheikhupura-born player added.

“I started playing hockey with that goal in mind and also because the game runs in my family,” the PIA player added, referring to his father Saif-ur-Rehman who was a former international.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2016