Pak manager wants Asian Champions Trophy on grass

by K. Arumugam in Johor Bahru

“You play well, win or lose is at the hands of the Almighty, I believe in this” is what Pakistan manager had to say on the eve of the 4-Nation tournament in Johor Bahru.

Kwja Md. Junaid, who claims to have played 300 matches for Pakistan, is here as the Coach of the Junior Team.

“This team is capable of winning here, we have good individual skills, it depends on how we perform on a particular day. To win a medal, here or elsewhere, we need to groom players, and we are on this mission”, he said.

Junaid was assistant coach of Pakistan for the last Junior World Cup. He also coached the Chinese team for a brief spell.

Replying to a query, he said that in the West children start play hockey at the early ages, that too on synthetic turf, which is not possible in this part of the world. It is therefore ideal to have some tournaments on grass. “at least for the nostalgic sake”, he quipped.

Apart from the turf ground, the main reason for Asians not doing well at global level is due to the absence of competitions. “How many tournaments take place here?” he asked.

“We need to organize quality tournaments such as Champions Trophy, we should play more between us as well”.

“Hockey on turf is excellent, I don’t deny it, it should go on. But there is no harm if we organize one or two tournament on grass also. Grass has its own charm that none can deny”, he argued.

Terming the Pakistan team in Johor Bahru has some outstanding talents, he painted a positive picture of Pakistan hockey. “These players are here to be groomed for future. It is their and my dream to see they play for Pakistan”.

Pakistan played two matches here in the run up to the tournament. First one was 3-3 draw while Pakistan over run the hosts in the next (7-1).