“Champions Trophy, a sign of hope for Green shirts” says Samiullah
Former Olympian and captain of the Pakistan’s hockey team, Samiullah Khan in a pleasing state welcomed the decision of International Hockey Federation (FIH) regarding inclusion of Pakistan and South Korea in the Champions Trophy and declared it a great sign
of hope. However, at the same time, he asked the Pakistani players to be ready for facing the world’s top teams in the tournament.
Samiullah Khan, while talking to the media, said that the inclusion of the Green shirts in the Champions Trophy will surely assist them to up their ranking and revive the past glory of the game, adding that the event would be tougher after increasing the
team’s numbers.
Samiullah Khan said, “It is very good to see Pakistan’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy. International Hockey Federation (FIH) has taken the right decision by increasing the number of teams in the Champions Trophy since hockey playing teams are now lifting
their game and the competition is also getting tough.”
Former hockey star, who was famous as ‘the flying horse,’ stated that Pakistan got a great chance through this tournament to evaluate their weaknesses and powers for the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. The management of the Pakistani team with this opportunity
will also get a chance to formulate long term strategies for betterment of the game.
International Hockey Federation has announced to increase the numbers of teams from six to eight both in the Men’s and the Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled to be held next year. South Korea and Pakistan the sixth and eight ranked teams to have been included
in the tournament along with England, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and host India.
Pakistan’s hockey team recently acquired a gold medal in the 16th Asian Games after twenty years and earned a direct berth in the 2012 London Olympics.
Samiullah was of the view that the Green shirts would have to prepare themselves and improve their game for facing the world’s top teams. Pak team particularly would have to work in fitness and stamina of the players, if they want to win the prestigious
tournament, he added.
The flying horse further said that the Champions Trophy would be a test for the Green shirts to judge their abilities before the Olympics’ teams. He said, “It will be a simulation of Olympics and if Pakistan do well in Champions Trophy, they (Pakistan) would
certainly do well in Olympics as well. And if they fail to record any worthwhile achievement there than we would already have a clear picture of what to expect from them at the Olympics.”
Pakistan failed to get a place in the last three editions of the Champions Trophy, the tournament, which was firstly started by Air Marshal Nur Khan under the flag of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) back in 1978.
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