KARACHI: Pakistan hockey’s emerging centre-forward Haseem Khan has vowed to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious uncle Hanif Khan.

“I started the sport inspired by my uncle Hanif Khan and sheer hard work and talent brought me first into Pakistan junior side before being elevated to the senior side,” Khan told APP in an interview on Tuesday at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology campus where he is a student.

“There is still a long way to go to before I achieve something but I am working really working hard to improve and bring glory and honor to the country,” the 23-year-old student of fourth year electronic engineering said.

“The recent tour of Europe with the Pakistan team was great learning experience as we played against top teams in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium,” Khan, who scored three goals on the tour, said.

“I’m trying to improve my finishing though and feel I can bring my game up a lot more.”

He said upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in China will be a great challenge for Pakistan as the continent's best teams including Malaysia, India, Korea and hosts China will be in action.

“It will be a tough and challenging event for us and we will go all out to maintain our supremacy in Asia,” Khan, a member of the 2010 Asian Games gold-medal-winning Pakistan team, said.

Speaking on the occasion SSUET Chancellor lauded the progress of Khan in hockey and assured him all support and assistance both in sports and education.

Z.A.Nizami said because of the player's busy international schedule, special arrangements will be made for his examinations and he will be extended other facilities as well.