World’s top scorer Sohail Abbas eyeing for gold medal in 2012 London Olympics: Hockey News
Unworried with Pakistan's shocking defeat in the finals of the just-concluded 20thSultan Azlan Shah Cup, the world’s highest goal-scorer, Sohail Abbas, is keen to bag the gold medal in the upcoming 2012 London Olympics that is scheduled to be
held in April.
One of the best drag flickers and short-corner specialists, Sohail Abbas wants to be part of the national squad until the 2012 London Olympics. He expressed these views while speaking to the media after his home-coming from Malaysia, where they managed to
grab a silver medal in the 20th Azlan Shah Cup after they lost to Australia via a golden goal in the 83rd minute of the game.
He was of the opinion that he wanted to win a major title for his team before retiring from the game. The half and full-back player shared the top-scorer award with Indian Rupinder Pal Singh with six goals each in the seven-nation invitational. Though, he
is most senior and experienced player in the national side, he did not lead the team in any international competition. Eyeing more glory for the team, he is going to start preparations for the Europe Tour. He has played four hockey Word Cups and donned the
colours for the Green Shirts.
With highest 323 goals to his credit the legendary player stated, “Physically, mentally and fitness-wise I am at my best. Some followers of the game believed that I was finished a few years ago. But performances speak themselves.”
He further stated that though he failed to bring Olympics gold medal or World Cup into the country, but he played hockey throughout his career for Pakistan with passion and commitment. In a delighting state, the short-corner master said that they brought
Asian Games gold medal after 20 years.
He further stated that the Asian Games could not be compared with the Olympics or World Cup. However, the Asia Games boosted the morale of the players and as well the masses.
Commenting on the Dutch Coach, Michel van den Heuvel, Sohail Abbas said that the trainer used him well in the deep defence and mid-field positions. The Green Shirts demonstrated a wonderful game against the World’s Champion Australia in the finals of the
Azlan Shah Cup.
He continued saying that the squad could be real menace for any team in the world if retain the same hard work. He said, “Pakistan team needed consistency in all areas of the game to maintain their momentum. As an individual and skill wise, Pakistan got
better players. We need to play well as a unit.”
The short-corner master appraised the induction of youngsters into the squad saying they would have to continue hard work, as they have long career ahead of them.
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