Pakistan’s interim coach Muhammad Saqlain on Friday blamed the nationwide federation for the sorry state of affairs of hockey within the nation, saying the necessity of the hour is to do away with the “Black Sheeps” out of the sporting physique for the survival of the sport again house.
Identical to neighbours India, Pakistan has had a wealthy hockey historical past having received eight Olympic medals, together with three golds, 4 world titles and eight Asian Video games crown amongst others.
But it surely has gone from dangerous to worse for Pakistan hockey since 2010 when the nation received its final massive medal — gold in Gunagzhou Asian Video games. Since then the nation has did not qualify for the Olympics and World Cup.
“The PHF can positively do higher, or else, will probably be laborious for Pakistan hockey to outlive like this. I used to be speaking to Dilip Tirkey (Hockey India president) the opposite night time, and when he gave me the calculation of the cash invested in Indian hockey, I misplaced depend. If you make investments a lot, you’re most sure to get outcomes,” Saqlain stated after his aspect received 6-1 win over China to complete fifth within the Asian Champions Trophy right here.
“Our crew performed aggressive hockey after eight months, and it’s robust to outlive in worldwide hockey like this. We have to do away with the Black Sheeps within the PHF.” Saqlain additionally feels merely criticising the gamers and the crew received’t do any good for Pakistan hockey.
“Additionally, those who’re criticising the crew should assume twice earlier than doing it, particularly when the crew is enjoying an essential event like this. Demoralising these younger gamers in the course of a is rarely a sensible factor to do.” Requested what did he mentioned with HI President Tirkey, Saqlain stated he requested the previous India captain to revive Indo-Pak bilateral hockey sequence, in addition to urging him to permit Pakistani gamers to play within the soon-to-revived Hockey India League.
“Tirkey sounded extraordinarily constructive and is an especially beneficiant and useful man, particularly in relation to the gamers. I requested him to revive the India-Pakistan sequence, in addition to additionally requesting him to accommodate our gamers within the league (HIL) that’s held right here.
“Enjoying within the league would solely profit our gamers. The damaged bond must reunite,” he stated.
Saqlain stated the present Pakistan outfit is a younger aspect and the gamers want extra recreation time to get to to the highest degree and preserve consistency.
“The crew is extraordinarily younger. Nevertheless, if we maintain enjoying like this, they are going to acquire sufficient expertise and maintain getting higher. As you possibly can see, they’re getting higher each recreation,” he stated. “It’s simply been one-and-a-half months teaching this aspect. Nevertheless, we did shock all. In comparison with different groups, we together with India have made probably the most penetrations contained in the opponent’s field and have additionally taken probably the most brief corners.” Pakistan suffered a brutal 0-4 loss to arch-rivals India on Wednesday.
Pakistan will characteristic within the Asian Video games set to be held in Hangzhou, China subsequent month and Saqlain identified three to 4 areas of enchancment forward of the continental showpiece.
“Firstly, we should enhance our bodily health. Secondly, our defence throughout penalty corners continues to be shaky. Additionally, ending has been a long-standing downside for Pakistan hockey. We additionally must work on our baseline construction,” he noticed.