Greenshirts defeat against Japan is alarming for rest of the tournament, says Rehan Butt
Rehan Butt, the seasoned national campaigner and the veteran striker, viewed the Greenshirts’ defeat against the Japanese national side in the ongoing inaugural Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos, China, as a wake-up call for the team before their next two
important matches against South Korea and the arch rivals India.
The Greenshirts had lost their third match of the event against Japan by 1-3 played on Tuesday, September 6 after showing a clinical performance in their first two games against Malaysia and the hosts, China.
The senior campaigner, Rehan Butt who had not been selected in the national squad for the Asian Champions Trophy along with goal-keeper Salman Akbar and the drag flicker Sohail Abbas stated that the junior and young players who have been given a chance should
capitalise on the opportunities to be a permanent part of the national squad.
“PHF told seniors including myself that they were keen on experimenting with youngsters for the Champions Trophy. But the newcomers need to make the most of the opportunities coming their way if they are to challenge the senior lot for Olympic slots,” Rehan
Butt, the veteran national striker, stated his views.
The star striker looked pretty hopeful for a better show from the national side in their next two games against the Koreans and the Indians.
“Both South Korea and India have to qualify for Olympics hence they are going all out in their preparations. Our team management needs to make a potent combination for the two upcoming matches if they are harbouring hopes of winning the tournament,” Rehan
Butt further added to his comments stating about the national team’s next two hurdles to qualify for the final of the event.
Meanwhile the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is going to hold their second special training camp for the goalkeepers at the Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) from September 11 to 20 under the supervision of former goalkeeper, Ahmed Alam with the assistance
of Sabir Ali, Samsam Qadir and Abdul Ghafoor. The federation has called goalkeepers Mohammad Sufian, Mazhar Abbas, Adnan Shakoor, Mujahid, Asad Iqbal and Amjad Ali for training at the camp.
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