The Pakistan hockey team, which clinched a historic gold medal in the Asiad after twenty years, has raised the hopes for hockey lovers, officials and the people of Pakistan alike, regarding their chances in the upcoming mega event
of the 2012 London Olympics.
The Greenshirts won gold in the Asiad after twenty years, ending a medal draught that extends back to the 1990 Asian Games also held in China. Having won the gold medal, the Pakistan has automatically qualified for the 2012 London
Games.
Qasim Zia, President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), while talking to the media said that there were alot of positives for Pakistan hockey from the multi-disciple tournament that ended last week, and therefore, the players
are confident to deliver well in future events.
The PHF President applauded the collective efforts of players and the team’s officials saying that they were working hard to revive the past glory of hockey in Pakistan, adding that their next target would be the 2012 London Olympics
and the World Cup.
It is encouraging to see the Pakistan hockey team, traditionally known for its striking game, having developed complete coordination and discipline in all its facets. The Players of Pakistan’s team applied all their strength in
the finals against Malaysia and avoided mistakes, which were witnessed in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Underlining the triumph of the Asiad, the PHF President stated that it would pave the way in trying to bring back Pakistan’s former glory. He further said that they had set the gold medal in the Asian Games as their target about
two years back and with the grace of God and the hard work of the players, they at last achieved it.
Qasim Zia, who was also a legendary hockey star of his era, said that they are eying the gold medal in the upcoming Olympics and triumph in the World Cup and the Champions Trophy, adding that they have adequate time to prepare
the squad for world level tournaments.
Qasim Zia, a former Olympian had represented the country in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angles and the Hockey World Cup in 1986. He played the fullback position and was a legendary defender of his time. He scored 15 goals in
87 games.
Zia was took charge of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) as its 23rd President on October 15th, 2008 and has been working ever since.
Describing the efforts of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Qasim Zia said that they were gradually improving the level of hockey in the country. He said that there are two main objectives of the PHF of which the first is to
groom new-talent and the second is to establish new coaching centers at both the national and grass root level.
Qasim maintained that they were struggling hard to put hockey back on the way to progress, as it is the ‘National Game’ of Pakistan.
Commenting on the recent fuss regarding Dutch Coach Michel Van Den Heuvel, Qasim Zia applauded the role of the national coach saying that he showed brilliant performance in the Asian Games and would be with the Greenshirts till
2012 London Olympics. He rejected the impression regarding the firing of the coach and stated that the Pakistan hockey team under the training of Dutchman is moving towards betterment and a revival.
Lauding the role of the seniors, he said, “Pakistan’s hockey team goalkeeper Salman Akbar, Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and world’s highest goal scorer, Sohail Abbas rendered marvelous performances and played significant role in
the victory.” He clarified that senior players would be with the team if they prove their fitness level.
Ultimately the triumph in the Asiad drove away the black clouds that had been hovering over the Pakistan hockey and grabbed the attentions of the concerned authorities and masses, which will definitely result in the promotion of
the sport in the country.
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