Pakistan Hockey in rebuilding mode after Olympic debacle
LAHORE, Oct 5 (UNI) The disastrous performance at the Beijing Olympics has prompted the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to launch a rebuilding process for the national team.
Pakistan finished a poor eighth in Beijing – their worst performances at the Olympics. The debacle caused much heartburn in the country prompted chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui to resign from his post.
ManAger-cum-chief coach Jahangir Butt said the rebuilding process starts with the Hamburg Masters currently underway in Germany.
“Yes we would be launching a fresh effort to revive Pakistan hockey with an eye on 2010 Asian Games,” Butt told APP. ”We know Pakistan hockey is down and gigantic effort is required to revive it.
“Hamburg Masters will be a good platform to know the strength of the national side.
“In the presence of teams like World and Olympic Champion Germany, Belgium and Malaysia, it will be great exposure and experience for the boys. It will be good opportunity for the youngsters with fresh legs to prove their potential in Hamburg,” he maintained.