Pakistan doubtful of performing well in Lanco International Super Series
Pakistan is not quite optimistic to stamp its authority in the Lanco International Super Series to be held from October 20 to 23, in the Australian city of Hobart.
Chief Hockey Selector of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Hanif Khan disaccorded with the views of Ric Charlesworth – the Australian coach and the man behind the concept of the nine-a-side format.
Earlier on, the Australian coach declared the Pakistan and Indian teams as “favourites” for the new hockey format.
Hanif Khan believes that in the face of preparing for consecutive tournaments, there are very bleak chances of the green-shirts delivering a fine performance in the nine-a-side tournament.
The nine-a-side game, with reduced time, wider goals and one player always in the forward line is a completely new concept devised to increase the pace of the sport.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and the Australian hosts will compete in the first ever tournament incorporating the new rules.
Pakistan’s Chief Selector totally differed with the Australian coach saying that the green-shirts had not practiced the new format.
Hanif Khan stated, “If I were to predict a winner, it would be Australia. We were never consulted before this format was introduced and I don’t think Pakistan or India stand a chance. The whole concept of having a quicker game and change in rules is alien
to us. But I believe this format can improve our game.”
Pakistan’s team players were focusing on improving their skills prior to the mega tournaments.
Hanif Khan, also a former hockey Olympian, informed that they were mainly working on making improvements in the strategic division which was extremely crucial ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Qasim Zia (Pakistan), in his brief comments expressed hopes for drawing big crowds for the tournament based on the new format.
With each half of 15 minutes, Qasim reckoned the speed of the game will be much faster and its intensity much more aggressive as compared to the traditional hockey.
In Qasim views, the new format will not only serve the sport but also improve the fitness of team players.
However, since the players have never played on the changed format before, their lack of preparation may prove to be an obstacle in their way to success.
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