Sohail Abbas aims to bring the glory back to his country in 2012 London Olympics: Hockey News
The most experienced and seasoned player in the national side, Sohail Abbas is looking very keen to represent his country in the 2012 London Olympics. On his return from Malaysia the Pakistan’s star player said in an interview that he is feeling extremely fit, both physically and mentally.
Sohail Abbas, who is the top goal-scorer in the history of international hockey with a massive 323 goals, has already represented his country in four World Cups. He further stated that his aim is to bring back the honour and glory to his country in the London Olympics, prior to his retirement.
The 33-year-old veteran player stated that it is the performance not the age which matters. The most important thing is what you display in the ground.
“Okay I could not win the World Cup or Olympics title for Pakistan. However, I always played with passion and I am happy that we won the Asian Games gold medal in China after 20 years”, said Abbas.
“I know Asian Games victory cannot be compared with World Cup or Olympics titles. But the Asian Games win was a morale-booster for Pakistan”, he further added.
He is also very convinced with the way the coach handles him in the field by deploying him in deep defence and in the centre line.
Meanwhile, Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, the former world class player and the legend of Pakistan Hockey, counselled Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to include those players in the team who could prolong their career till the Olympics Games which will commence in London, England in 2012.
Shahnaz shared his ideas in an exclusive interview with media on Friday, May 20 having said that PHF must start the process of preparation from Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament, which is scheduled to be held in India during the last month of this year, keeping the 2012 London Olympics in mind.
Sheikh also stated that the real test of Pakistan Hockey team’s Dutch coach, Michael van den Heuvels’ abilities will be displayed in the Champions Trophy and if Pakistan succeeds it will be the spot-light of his career.
Shahnaz said that in the Champions Trophy, the top Hockey teams compete with each other. Pakistan Hockey team will be required to do a lot of improvement in each and every department, especially in defence.
The forwards will have to overcome their finishing lapses and inconsistency while the entire team will have to focus on physical fitness and match the temperament if it wants to compete with the top class teams. He also advised PHF to have a reserve goal-keeper with the team in any tournament it plays.
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