KARACHI, Sept 13: Former hockey greats Friday said celebrations and satisfaction over clinching a Champions Trophy bronze was nothing but an “eyewash” which was bound to damage the sport.
“It’s shameful that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is celebrating after winning a bronze as if we have won the Champions Trophy. I can’t understand how a victory over India could wash all the poor results of recent months,” former coach Hanif Khan said.
Hanif said jubilations over triumph against traditional rivals was natural, but expressing satisfaction over a bronze would harm the game in the country.
Former forward said the squad, which had number of veterans, failed to cope with the pressure.
“Almost all the teams fielded young players, while Pakistan had several Olympians and veterans, but caved in each time when confronted by youthful oppositions.
“I don’t know what purpose Kamran Ashraf and first choice goalkeeper Ahmad Alam served. While Kamran was slow, Ahmad’s performance remained below-par throughout the European tour. Kashif Jawwad should have been fielded more instead of Kamran.
“Ahmad at least conceded six goals at the Trophy from the right side at shoulder height which is astonishing as it is quite difficult to score from that angle. He should have stopped more goals than he saved,” Hanif said.
Like other positions, there should also be change in goalkeeper and the selectors do have a young keeper in Salman Akbar as replacement, he added.
“Performances of veterans Ahmad and Kamran proved that hockey administrators should induct young and talented players”.
But the former left-in was not in favour of making changes in the squad with barely 15 days left for Sept 29 to Oct 14 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.
“There is hardly any time for changes at this hour when Asian Games are around the corner. But after the Games at least seven changes should be made for the 2004 Olympics,” Hanif said.
Celebrated centre-half Anwar Ahmad Khan was elated over victory against India, but reiterated to call young guns after the Asian Games to prepare a new-look Olympic squad.
He said, as anticipated, inclusion of Ahmad and Kamran resulted in waste of time as both could not perform well.
The ex-skipper said the jubilant mood in the PHF camp painted a gloomy picture as in the past his side had to endure criticism even after winning an Olympic gold.
“When Pakistan won 1958 Tokyo Asian Games gold on better goal average hockey lovers even then teased us for clinching the victory on goal average.
“Again in 1960 when we won the gold at Rome Olympics after beating India 1-0, fans asked us why we did not hammer them by two or three goals. It’s sad we are happy with Champions Trophy bronze.”
The Olympian took a swipe at the toothless midfield, saying both Usman and Saqlain were out of sorts while Ahmad was unimpressive under the bar.
“It must be heartbreaking for (Mohammad) Qasim when Ahmad was recalled even after his retirement. Qasim played second fiddle to Ahmad despite being named the best goalkeeper of the tournament at Rotterdam Champions Trophy last November,” he remarked.
But he could not forget the 7-1 loss to New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games and asked the PHF to investigate the causes of the debacle.
Former captain Rasheedul Hassan said although precious time had been wasted, PHF should opt for youngsters.
“Celebrations after a bronze invites complacency. We should get rid of old horses. I fail to comprehend why PHF recalled Ahmad after his retirement,” he said.
Former goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan agreed with his senior compatriots, saying the time was not for celebrations rather the PHF should do rethinking and go for fresh talent.
“Overall the team’s performance was not satisfactory. Neither Kamran nor Ahmad could deliver. Surprisingly, Ahmad failed to save the goals he should have as his technique was wrong,” he said.