Pakistan’s Shakeel Abbasi looking to break seven-year winning drought – Hockey News
Legendary Pakistani hockey player, Shakeel Abbasi is looking to break the seven year drought of the Azlan Shah Tournament victory.
The Greenshirts captured the title of the invitational event last time in 2003 besides winning two previous editions consecutively in 1999 and 2000. In 2004, they lost to Australia in the finals of the crucial contest. Since then the Greenshirts have been
unable to clinch the trophy. But after winning the Asian Games title, they are flying high on momentum and are looking to finish at the top of the podium in the upcoming edition of the Malaysia-based tournament.
Shakeel Abbasi, the centre-forward player believes that the combination of youngsters and experienced players are determined to win the seven-nation tournament.
While talking to the media, he expressed hopes saying that they will succeed to end the winning dearth of last seven years. He stated, “Seven years is a long time and hopefully we can end our barren run in this tournament this time around.”
Malaysia is not a new venue for Abbasi, as he has competed in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) representing Yayasan Negeri Sembilan (YNS). He displayed impressive performances in the league to take his team among the top squads.
It is vital to mention here that he was part of the national side that clinched the title back in 2003. However, the quality of the participating teams has been regularly improving and the world’s best seven sides are contesting the 2011 Azlan Shah Cup.
The fabled hockey star further said that the youngsters had a great chance to prove their worth in international hockey and a title victory will be the best way to bear it out in this regard.
Pakistan met New Zealand in the opening match of the competition on Thursday, May 5 as the Greenshirts managed to secure a brilliant 4-2 victory over the Kiwis.
Commenting on the revival of the bilateral series between India and Pakistan, Shakeel was of the opinion that the game between the two neighbouring countries would not only enchant the hockey lovers but assist the players to upgrade their games. It would
provide an opportunity for both countries to develop their hockey and improve their overall relations as well.
He further stated that the meaning of the game changed when they play each other on either side of the border. He was part of the squad that contested the series against India back in 2006 where the Greenshirts remained successful. Pakistan acquired five
victories, three losses and managed two draws.
The hockey star was of the view that the two-nation series would help the youngsters to further shine their games and learn to play in under-pressure games.
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