Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas relishing captaincy

t cannot always be about India and Pakistan, says Abbas

If there’s one thing that has been missing from Pakistan drag-flicker Sohail Abbas’ CV, it is captaining the team in an Olympic Games.

A powerhouse of talent, the world famed defender and penalty corner specialist has been the epitome of Pakistan’s famous victories in the past, and is currently world’s leading goal-scorer with close to 350 goals.

A draw against Spain in the opening game at the London 2012 has put the team on the right path, and the Green Shirts are looking ahead to a good tournament.

Abbas, who was handed captaincy after a series of turns and twists in Pakistan hockey, is relishing every minute of it.

“Allah ka shukar hai (It is God’s grace). It has taken me around 12 to 14 years of hockey to reach here and it is a huge honour for me.

“We did very well in our opening match. Though I am not satisfied without a win, it gives me happiness as a captain to see the boys put up a good fight,” Abbas said in a chat with this website.

“We committed a lot of mistakes too, but I will compliment my players as most of them are playing in the Olympics for the first time. It is big stage and it is important for us too do well here. Thank God we did not lose (the opening match),” he said.

India and Pakistan have been placed in different groups at the Olympics, and while in the past the two teams have made for fascinating duels on the field, Abbas says it was “good for the sport” and “both the teams” to play different oppositions.

“We need to play the best teams to grow and flourish. It cannot always be about India and Pakistan, and it should not be.

“I do not want anyone — fans, my players or the media — to only think about the games against India. Sometimes, the players and the public are content if we have beaten Pakistan. And in the process, we miss our bigger aim — which is winning a medal at the Olympics.

“That should not happen it is good that India and Pakistan are placed in different pools here (in London),” said the 35-year old, who was the leading scorer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics with 11 goals.

Sohail also backed the Pakistan players who took part in the controversial World Series Hockey in India earlier this year, and were included in the national team at the last minute after paying hefty fines to the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

“We are like a family, and if a member of your family goes away for a few days, he still remains a part of it. I view the entire matter in this way, and thinks other should do the same.

“They are back now for Pakistan and that is best for the team. We are a strong squad as we needed experienced players. Players like Waseem (Ahmed) and Shakeel (Abbasi) add to our strength,” the drag-flicker said.

Pakistan takes on Argentina today in London