Former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh praises Pakistan hockey team over consecutive wins – Hockey News
The two victories of the Greenshirts in the first two fixtures of the Asian Champions Trophy not only spread joy among the fans but also forced the former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh to speak in the praise of the youngsters.
Shahnaz Sheikh expressed praise after the Greenshirts made two back-to-back victories against Malaysia and the host China. Holding the title of the Asian Games, it was great pressure on the Pakistan team to defend their title in the first edition of the
Asian Champions Trophy.
The squad in the Greenshirts marked their first victory against Malaysia at 3-2 while they managed a heavy margin 4-1 win over China in the second fixture of the tournament. In the next phase, the Pakistani team will face Japan in the third match of the
regional tournament.
Shahnaz Sheikh, who is one of the great critics, spoke with the media commenting over the performances of the Pakistani players. He was of the opinion that the matches against India and Korea will be tough competition for the Greenshirts. He said, “These
are the tough teams I think and Pakistan’s real test will be when it faces these teams. If Pakistan keeps up the consistency in its performance then I believe it can overcome any hindrance that comes in its path.”
In his view, China was not a difficult task for the Pakistani squad and the victory against Malaysia proved the worth of the Greenshirts in the field of hockey.
It is relevant to mention here that Shahnaz Sheikh was part of the national squad that lifted the silver medal at the 1972 Olympics and bronze in the 1976 Games. During 1969 to 1978, he earned some 68 international caps as well as many honours for the country.
He further stated that the team will feel the absence of the world’s highest goal-scorer Sohail Abbas. He was sure the performance graph will be higher if Abbas played in the tournament. Commenting on the grey areas, he continued that they will have to improve
the defence of the national side. He anticipated that the team had the potential to lift the title of the tournament if they play with commitment and dedication.
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