Senior players refuse to retire from Pakistan hockey team
The senior players in Pakistan hockey team who recently won a historic gold medal in the Asian Games after 20 years, expressed annoyance at critics, who asked them to vacant the places for new talent. With the triumph in the Asiad, the Greenshirts also earned
a direct ticket to 2012 London Olympics.
Former Olympians observed that the senior players including skipper Zeeshan Ashraf, Sohail Abbas, Salman Akbar and Shakeel Abbasi would not be able to deliver in the future events. Former players also suggested the seniors to take retirement from international
hockey in the best interests of the game.
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier the management of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had said that the senior players would be removed soon after the Asian Games. In addition, the seniors who revived the past glory of hockey after twenty years
have rejected the suggestions saying that they are quite fit for London Olympics.
Goal-keeper Salman Akbar
Pakistan team’s goalkeeper, Salman Akbar who rendered an outstanding performance in the Asiad and played a pivotal role in the victory of the Greenshirts, stated that the triumph has enhanced the motivation of players for future tournaments.
Salman further said that it was extremely lamentable that the people are asking them to retire from the team for whom they acquired a historic victory for. He rejected the impression of former Olympians that senior players in the team would not maintain
their performance level for next two years.
Salman cited the example of legendary drag flicker and world highest goal scorer, Sohail Abbas who rejoined the team in the Asian Games after being missed out in the Commonwealth Games and delivered competent performance.
The custodian of Greenshirts maintained that the senior players were not a liability rather necessity for the team. It was Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), which recalled Sohail Abbas as they needed him in the Asian Games.
Salman Akbar clarified, “It doesn’t mean that we don’t want the new players. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) would have enough time to find new talent and train it. They can prepare a best squad for the 2012 London Olympics with the variety of seniors and
new talent.”
Rehan Butt the master of centre-forward
Joining the viewpoint of Salman Akbar, centre-forward Rehan Butt was of the view that all the senior players have no intention to take retirement from the hockey as they are quite fit for the game.
Rehan further said that all the senior players are practicing regularly and working hard for upcoming 2012 London Olympics. He hoped that the Greenshirts would get a good place in the Olympics.
Striker Shakeel Abbasi
Strongly opposing the suggestions of former Olympians, Shakeel Abbasi, the legendary striker said that the removal of senior players from the team would dismantle the morale of the players, adding, it would be impossible to prepare a new team in less than
two years for the London Games.
Shakeel Abbasi further said, “Still we can play for some more years and although we are over 30, it does not mean we should be retired. The rest of the world takes the trained and senior players as important part of the team.”
Chief Selector Pakistan Hockey Team, Hanif Khan
Chief Selector of Pakistan Hockey team, Hanif Khan said that the players would be given opportunities to judge their fitness level and take decisions in this regard.
Hanif Khan was of the view that it seemed impossible that senior players could play for the next two years, adding most of the seniors are above 30 and the management would observe whether they could repeat the performance of Asian Games or not.
President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia
Qasim Zia the president of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) stated that he had not heard any plan regarding the removal of seniors from the team. He said that they would be in the team if they proved their fitness, otherwise it will be high time for them
to take retirement with pride and respect.
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