Former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh claims experiments dangerous for Pakistan Hockey
Shahnaz Sheikh, the former Olympian and one of the most crafty hockey players, has said that the experiments and frequent changes in the national team could mess up the preparations for the 2012 London Olympics.
Speaking to the media, the former Olympian who had played 68 matches and earned notched 45 goals, said that the Greenshirts cannot become an impressive outfit until the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and selectors keep on making changes in the national
side. He was of the opinion that the forthcoming European Tournament would be a tough task for the national side.
However, he anticipated saying that the team had potential to win the games. He was of the opinion that the Greenshirts would face world’s best teams during the European tour. They would have to put all their strength to knock down the opponent teams.
In his views, the upcoming Champion Trophy would be a real test for the Greenshirts and Dutch trainer, Michel van den Heuvel. The players need perfection in every department, particularly in the defence area if they really want to lift the mega event ahead
of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Criticising the policies of the PHF and selectors under the ambit of experiments and frequent changes, he said that these would not serve positively to the sport. In his opinion, it was a suitable time to focus on those players who would be available in
the 2012 London Olympics. He was of the opinion that the squad requires young talent, as the senior players have already played their part of the game. He flayed criticism on the senior players saying that they were included by themselves in the team only
to get worthwhile trips.
The former Olympian said that the federation was not putting many efforts to improve the level of the game in the country. He further expressed that those players who do not have experience of playing on Astroturf pitches cannot deliver impressive results
in high-level matches.
He added, “The PHF makes tall claims of promoting the game from the grass-root level but on the ground nothing is seen. The team should have to play like a unit and develop temperament for big matches. The players need to learn how to handle the ball well.”
Shahnaz Sheikh was of the opinion that the selectors had not given youngsters enough chances to join the national side. It was a best time to pass the torch to the fresh blood and let them prove their worth in the international fixtures.
Advising the national side, the former Olympian asked the strikers to overcome their weak points, particularly in the finishing lapses. In his views, the entire line-up should improve their physical stamina, adding that the more the players hold the ball
under their possession; they would get more goal-scoring chances.
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