Hockey Special Report: Sohail Abbas's revival in Asiad dubitable
Pakistan Hockey team is entrapped in disoblige state of mind prior to the Asian Games. The situation is becoming more perplexed after the eruption of differences between Pakistan Hockey Federation and Organizing Committee of Asian Games over the participation
of legendary drag flicker Sohail Abbas in the event, which is commencing from November 12, 2010 at Guangzhou, the city of China.
The high hopes of Pakistan hockey team from recently recalled Sohail Abbas may disappoint itself from the desire of gold medal in the upcoming Asiad as participation of veteran short corner specialist is dubious in the event. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PFH)
is kept on difficulties with Asian Games’ Organizing Committee over selection of Sohail Abbas.
The Organizing Committee of Asiad is reluctant to issue accreditation to penalty corner master, Sohail Abbas who was called back into the team after seven months wild rest. An official of Pakistan Hockey Federation said
“The committee which deals the accreditations procedure of participating players argued that the name of veteran player has been sent after the deadline given to all participating countries”. He further elaborated that the name of Sohail Abbas was
included late in the list, which had already dispatched to the concerned committee.
It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Selector of Pakistan Hockey Team in an interesting move recalled the legend hockey star, Sohail Abbas after Pakistani squad finished at disappointing sixth position in the Commonwealth Games. The world best goal
scorer, Abbas was axed from the team over disciplinary dispute with the federation seven months back. His name was omitted from the central contact list after his absence from a training camp before Europe Tour.
All time favourite, Sohail Abbas was also dropped in the Commonwealth Games after his bad performance in the World Cup, held earlier this year. Speaking in this regard, he said that he is always ready to play for the country and he has been training hard
to regain previous status. Describing his fitness for the upcoming event, he stated that he maintained professional standard physical fitness, which will justify in Asiad.
Asif Bajwa the Secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) affirming the news said,
“We are facing issues over the selection of best short corner specialist. But we are working in this regard and hopefully he will join the national hockey team after getting clearance from the concerned body”.
The PHF Secretary was of the view that they had alternate choice in case of refusal from the Organizing Committee, adding the federation can send Sohail Abbas on their own disbursals and has him in the team. The final decision would be taken after discussing
all the matters with officials of the Asian Games, he maintained.
Michel Van Heuvel, the Dutch nationality coach of Pakistan hockey team expressed his confidence on the team saying that it would surely deliver good results in the event. He further said that he is confident with the squad, which can win gold medal and take
avenge from Indian team of last two defeats. The inclusion of world’s best goal scorer and short corner specialist would definitely augment the spirit of the team, he added.
Hanif Khan, the Chief Selector of Pakistan hockey team said getting an approval for Sohail Abbas from Organizing Committee is not a major issue and he would surely obtained clearance certificate.
Another official, however unconvincingly said that it seems hard to get the accreditation for drag flicker as officials of Asian Games are very strict in their laws. The matter would be discussed with Pakistan Olympic Association to get their help in this
regard, he added.
In the whole, the inclusion of world’s highest scorer will definitely mark up the level of the team and will be helpful in the success of Pakistani squad in Asiad. In case of his elision from the team due to clearance issues, the morale of the team will
surely tear down, which will also affect the performance of the team.
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