Pakistan Hockey: PHF optimistic for Michel Van Den Heuvel’s return
Pakistan Hockey Federation is quite optimistic for returning of the Dutch coach, Michel Van Den Heuvel, who has been left for the home country after completion of the Asian Games citing security concerns as main reason in this regard.
Pakistan’s hockey team, which acquired a gold medal under the training of Van Den Heuvel in the recently concluded Asian Games after two decades, has a very busy schedule in the current year. Michel shinned the skills of the Greenshirts, helping them finish
the year at very high tone despite a humiliating start.
The PHF has granted ‘review time’ to Dutch coach for finalizing his decision regarding his leading role to the Greenshirts. The federation is quite hopeful saying that the decision would be according to their anticipations.
Secretary General of the PHF, Asif Bajwa while talking to the media said that the Dutch coach inked the contract with the federation only for five months; however it would be extended up till the 2012 London Games. He further said that Michel would observe
the players’ performance in the National Hockey Championship, which is going to be started on January 28th, 2011 at the Faisalabad Hockey arena. The coach then would recommend the players for training camp after assessing their performance in the
championship. Those players, who perform below the line, would not be part of the training camp, Asif said.
Asif was of the view that the presence of Michel in the championship would not only assist them to find out new talent but help them to pick out the junior and senior squads.
Dutchman, Michel Van Den Heuvel assumed the charge of the chief coach of the Greenshirts six months back when Pakistan humiliatingly finished the world cup at 12th position out of total 12 teams. Under the supervision of Michel, the Greenshirts
stood at 6th position in the Commonwealth Games. He revved the players up, clinched a gold medal in the Asiad, and proved the Pakistan Team the best in the region.
Explaining the situation, the secretary of PHF underlined, “We have an understanding that Van Den Heuvel will be available till the London Olympics next year but he has some reservations which will be discussed in length at a meeting helping both the parties
to settle the time frame of the contract.”
Asif appraised the role of Dutchman saying that the coach impregnated a new enthusiasm in the Greenshirts, which bore fruitful results in the Asiad in the form of a triumph. He stated that PHF wanted to take the services of Dutchman for long-term but final
decision would come from his side.
Michel following the Asiad expressed the security situation in Pakistan as main reason behind his family’s worries for returning to the country; however all the issues would be settled down through detailed negotiations, said Asif.
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