Pakistan Hockey Federation announces 18-member squad for the Asian Champions Trophy in China
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced 18-member national Men’s hockey squad for their upcoming assignment, the inaugural edition of the Asian Champions Trophy which is going to be held in Ordos, China from September 3 and will be concluded on September
11. All of the top Asian hockey sides like India, South Korea and the Asian Games Champions, Pakistan, will compete for the first ever title.
The team seems to be a blend of youth and experience as the selectors have included a number of young players in the side instead of relying on the seniors.
Meanwhile, Hanif Khan, the chief selector stated that the youngsters have good opportunity to confirm their place permanently in the national squad by showing better performance in the event.
“This tournament is a good chance for youngsters to perform and make a permanent spot. The new players can cement their place for Champions Trophy and London Olympics by giving a good show in China,” Hanif Khan, the chief selector, explained.
However, he did not deny the chances of inclusion of some of the senior and experienced players like Rehan Butt, Salman Akbar and the drag flicker, Sohail Abbas and stated that they can be the part of the national squad if they maintain their fitness and
form in the future before the Champions Trophy in India and the 2012 London Olympics in England.
“The senior players will remain in contention and can make a comeback by proving fitness and form,” Khan stated about the senior players.
The Greenshirts’ squad includes the following athletes for the inaugural edition of the Asian Championship to be held in Ordos, China:
Muhammad Imran (captain), Shakeel Abbasi (vice captain), Waseem Ahmad, Muhammad Tousiq, Fareed Ahmed, Rashid Mehmood, Imran Shah, Imran Butt, Muhammad Irfan, Abdul Haseem Khan, Muhammad Rizwan Junior, Muhammad Rizwan Senior, Muhammad Kashif Javed, Syed Kashif
Shah, Muhammad Waqas Sharif, Shafqat Rasool, Muhammad Umar Bhutta and Ali Shan.
While the team will be coached by the Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel with the assistance of Shahid Ali Khan and Ajmal Khan Lodhi whereas Khawaja Junaid will be the team manager. The other officials include Faiz-ur-Rehman (physiotherapist) and Nadeem Khan
Lodhi (video analyst).
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