Hasan Sardar views junior players selection in Asian Champions Trophy as positive move by PHF
Hasan Sardar, the former Olympian and the legend of Pakistan hockey, viewed the inclusion of some of the young guns in the senior team for the upcoming first Asian Champions Trophy to be conducted in Ordos, China, from September 3 to 11, as a positive move
that will be of great benefit and worthwhile for Pakistan hockey in the next year’s Olympic Games to be held in London, England in July 2012.
“Including young players and resting seniors is a good move from selectors. It will allow them to pick the best possible lot for the 2012 London Olympics,” Hasan Sardar stated his views he in an interview.
Hasan Sardar, who was the member of the 1984 Olympics gold medal winning side, believed that before the London Olympics, the Asian Champions Trophy will be a good test for the Greenshirts who won the gold medal in last year’s Asian Games held in Guangzhou,
China, after 20 years. The Greenshirts will be tested against the top Asian sides like South Korea, India and Malaysia in the event.
“The Asian Champions Trophy is the best platform for the youngsters to show their potential to replace seniors and if youngsters fail to deliver in China then selectors will again be looking at seniors,” he further added to his comments regarding the selection
of the junior players in the Asian Champions Trophy squad.
He also stated that the Greenshirts need to be more improved in their defence as well as in their finishing ability. He further added that the team must be tight in its mid-field while making counterattacks.
Sardar further explained that the Pakistan Hockey Federation should have selected a group of 20-25 players to be prepared for the 2012 London Olympics through international exposure. The legendary player also believes that Pakistan must increase their scoring
powers on penalty corners as well as from the field.
It will be interesting to see how the young players on the Pakistan team will be able to manage the competitive environment of the tournament. Only time will tell if the PHF decision to include young players will be beneficial to the Pakistan team.
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