LAHORE: Pakistan hockey head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior remains optimistic about his team’s prospects in the third leg of the FIH Pro League despite injuries to key players Hanan Shahid and Sufyan Khan.
Speaking to Dawn before the team’s departure for Belgium via Karachi on Tuesday, the former Olympian acknowledged that the absence of the two players would be a major setback but expressed confidence that Pakistan could improve on their performances in the previous rounds held in Argentina and Australia.
“The injuries to Hanan Shahid and Sufyan have dealt a significant blow to the team ahead of this important assignment,” Manzoor said.
“However, the team will do its utmost to achieve better results than those recorded in the previous two rounds of the league.”
Pakistan open their campaign in the third leg against hosts Belgium and Spain, with matches scheduled from June 13 to 20. The team will then travel to England, where they will face arch-rivals India and hosts England between June 23 and 27.
In Belgium, Pakistan will play Belgium on June 13 and 19 and Spain on June 14 and 20. The matches against India are scheduled for June 23 and 26, while Pakistan will meet England on June 24 and 27.
Manzoor said Abdul Manan and Bashrat Ali had been included in the squad as replacements for the injured players.
He added that although the team had little time to prepare, the management had worked hard to address shortcomings identified during the earlier stages of the competition.
Acknowledging the strength of the opposition, Manzoor described all four teams as experienced and highly competitive.
“It would be premature to predict the results, but our players are motivated and well prepared after undergoing a month-long training camp,” he said.
The coach revealed that particular emphasis had been placed on improving Pakistan’s defence during the camp, though he admitted that Sufyan’s absence would be keenly felt.
“Sufyan is one of our best defenders and the team will certainly miss him,” he said.
According to Manzoor, Hanan has been advised two weeks’ rest, while Sufyan is expected to remain sidelined for four weeks.
Responding to a question about Pakistan reaching Belgium only two days before their opening match, Manzoor said the team had originally been scheduled to arrive on June 6.
“It would certainly have been better had the team arrived some days earlier before facing Belgium and Spain,” he said, adding that the original plan could not be implemented due to various reasons.
Manzoor said a victory over India would rank among the major achievements of the tour and would provide a significant boost to the efforts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to revive the sport in the country.
He acknowledged that Pakistan hockey had suffered several setbacks over the years and stressed that its revival would require time, planning and sustained effort.
The coach also praised Pakistan’s Under-18 team for securing the bronze medal at the Asia Cup in Japan.
Pakistan had lost 5-3 to India in the semi-finals after leading 3-2 before their opponents staged a comeback.
“Nevertheless, returning home with a bronze medal is a commendable achievement and the players deserve appreciation,” Manzoor said.
Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026