Enter Pakistan. At the last Junior World Cup in Lucknow in 2016, it was a visa problem that denied them entry. This time around the Junior Green Shirts will parade their wares, largely as an unknown quantity, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Going by the views of Head Coach Danish Kaleem, Pakistan are committed to putting in a very good performance. Along with captain Abdul Rana, the coach addressed a virtual media conference on Monday, November 22, where he gave insights into Pakistan’s preparation for the FIH 2021 Men’s Junior World Cup. For starters, Kaleem is happy with how the team is settling in.
“We are very comfortable, everything’s going well and there are no hurdles,” he said.
Rana concurred and is happy with his team and the dressing room atmosphere. “Our players are bonding well and our players are looking forward to the first match.”
The first match is potentially as tough as they come. Pakistan, winners of the inaugural edition way back in 1979, take on Germany who have inscribed their name six times on the trophy.
However, both coach and captain are not overawed. As a matter of fact, they exude quiet confidence and for good reason. “Yes, despite the Covid-19 crisis which has affected the whole world, we have been active even though lacking international match practice. We have played our senior team often as well as the departmental teams. I see no reason why we can’t do well here,” said Kaleem.
Pakistan played the 2018 World Cup (seniors) at the very venue and the coach who travelled with the squad feels the weather conditions won’t be unfamiliar to his team.
“We have held camps in Karachi where the weather isn’t too different from Bhubaneswar and I don’t think we’ll face problems.”
Pakistan hockey has suffered a freefall in recent times – even missing out on the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and inevitably, Kaleem was asked about efforts to effect a revival of the game in the country.
“The top brass in the federation are professional people and efforts are on to revive hockey in the country. “It’s important that players are given jobs in various departments and the Government has begun to support the cause to take Pakistan hockey forward. A school of excellence for the game has been set up and you will see the results in two years’ team. A good performance here will greatly lift Pakistan hockey.”
On talent scouting and the process of selection, Kaleem said: “The team has been selected 100 percent on merit and the players have been put through the grind at the camps.”
And about physical fitness, so often the bugbear of Pakistan teams, both senior and junior?
“The team is absolutely fit and meets international standards,” said Kaleem.
“You will see for yourselves in our match against Germany. It could well be a performance to be proud of.”
Potentially, it would appear, Pakistan is the team to watch.