Dutch coach keeps his views undisclosed regarding his return to Pakistan hockey team
Pakistan’s hockey team, which clinched a gold medal in the recently concluded 16th edition of the Asian Games, is likely to face tough time as dealt with in the past years. Chief Coach of the national hockey team, Michel van den Heuvel, who has
played pivotal role in the triumph of the squad, is unlikely to continue with the Pakistan team any further.
Dutchman, Michel van den Heuvel while talking to the media said that he has not yet confirmed his future plan whether he would continue on with his coaching post. He further stated, “I have not set any plans. I don’t know anything. I am not thinking about
Pakistan hockey right now.”
Michel played a significant role in the historic victory of Greenshirts, breaking the curse of the team’s failures. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan’s hockey team won the Asiad after 20 years, as they were last victorious in the tournament in
Beijing, China back in 1990.
The Dutch coach before leaving for home country on vacations expressed doubts on his return citing family’s reservations over the security situation in Pakistan. He asserted, “I will take opinion of my family before rejoining the team again.” However, he
has not given any clear plan so far while the training camp for Egypt visit is scheduled to be held in February 2011.
Michel, who achieved the title of ‘Master Coach’ in the list of the International Hockey Federation, joined the national team back in June 2010, when the Greenshirts finished the World Cup at the lowest 12th position. However, Pakistan team, after standing
at a humiliating fifth position in the Commonwealth Games managed to rev it up and acquired a gold medal in the Asiad under the training of the Dutch coach.
The management of the Pakistan Hockey Federation has already announced the continuation of Michel van den Heuvel as a head trainer of the team, regardless of his pending verdict.
The Greenshirts are likely to spend a hectic year prior to the London Games, as they will open the year competing in a bilateral series against Egypt. They will also contest numerous tournaments including the Asian Champions Trophy, the Sultan Azlan Shah
Cup and the Champions Trophy besides playing in Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.
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