PHF Chief Selector satisfied with bronze medal in Lanco International Super Series
Pakistan settled for a bronze medal after failing to get a spot in the grand finale. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is satisfied with the way the team performed in the first version of the nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Australia contested the first edition of the innovative tournament, played from October 20 to 23, at the Perth Hockey Stadium, in Australia.
The home teams, Kookaburras (Australia’s men) and Hockeyroos (Australia’s women) lifted the gold medals in both the tournaments.
Chief Selector Pakistan Hockey Team, Hanif Khan, applauded the role of the Green Shirts in the experimental tournament.
He underlined, “If we look at the results, Pakistan lost only one match in the tournament and finally managed to grab the third position by beating India 4-1. So the result is satisfactory”.
Pakistan played four games in the four-day nine-a-side event but lost only once in the tournament. It managed draws in the other two group matches against India and New Zealand and outplayed India in the play-off fixture.
The Chief Selector, ahead of the tournament, expressed fears saying that the Green-shirts will have to struggle greatly to come to terms with the newly introduced hockey format, playing nine-a-side for the first time.
Declaring the game quite different as compared to traditional hockey, Hanif Khan underscored, “Only nine players could be fielded instead of conventional eleven players in the tournament. Moreover, many other changes were also introduced in the event. It
was a whole different ball game. So considering all these facts I think our team performed well”.
Apart from the number of players, many other modifications were made. The wider goal-mouths, the reduced time of 30 minutes with two halves of 15 minutes each, long corners and soften rules in terms of stick and foot fouls, were all part of the new format.
The Chief Selector praised the role of Imran Shah, the national team’s custodian, who rendered fantastic performances despite the modified goal-mouths.
He clarified that whoever will put up a commendable performance will be a part of the national team.
He further informed that the youngster, Imran Shah, proved his potential in the tournament. Hence, Salman Akbar will face tough competition to get a place in the national team.
Overall, PHF had a positive outlook towards the tournament and the performance of the Pakistan team. It applauded the team for attaining the third position.
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