The Hindu: Rehan, Saqlain team up to restore Pakistan hockey glory

Uthra Ganesan

Rehan Butt and Muhammed Saqlain combined to create many a magical moments for Pakistan hockey all through the 2000s.
As Imran Butt walked out for the training session, a familiar figure was busy writing on the coaching board at the other end of the turf of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Sunday afternoon. In another corner was another known face, a little weather-beaten with age but with the same piercing eyes that could spot gaps no one else did.

Rehan Butt and Muhammed Saqlain combined to create many a magical moments for Pakistan hockey all through the 2000s. The speedy forward and the mercurial centre-half are now trying to develop the same in the current lot, assisting former India coach Roelant Oltmans as Pakistan struggles to regain lost glory. Interestingly, both were key members of the Pakistan side during Oltmans’ previous stint as its coach in 2003-04.

“The level has gone down,” Saqlain admitted to The Hindu. “A big reason was the federation’s decision to bar players over 30 from national and international competitions some years ago, which means none of these players have seen any of us in action. Training and videos are fine but nothing can substitute the experience of actually watching seniors play and learn from them,” he rued.

The other big reason, both Butt and Saqlain admit, is the floundering fitness standards of the team. “When we played, Pakistan was the fittest team in the continent. Now, India is miles ahead of us. We are trying, we have an Australian trainer now but there is a big gap. Without fitness, nothing can be taught or learnt, it is the most basic requirement,” they admitted.

From players to coaches, the two have increased respect for Oltmans. “He appreciates our feedback during matches on working the ball around or slowing the game. We are also in a better position to explain when communication between players or with the bench was breaking down,” Saqlain explained.

In between, Butt is keenly eyeing Imran’s routine under the bar. This is the first time the two brothers have been together in the national side, albeit as coach and player. This is also the first time ever for such a combination in Pakistan hockey. Both admit it added pressure to perform.

“Sometimes Rehan bhai is more strict with me than others to ensure no one can accuse him of being lenient with his brother,” Imran laughed but added it also increased pressure on himself. “If I make a mistake, it will reflect badly on him. I don’t want that ever,” the Pakistan goalkeeper and one of its key members said.

Rehan added that as coach, it was his duty to think for the team. “He is my brother at home, not here. Personal and professional cannot mix, we do that a lot and that is why there are so many disasters in our teams,” he shrugged.

India managed a 1-1 draw at the CWG against Pakistan but then won 4-0 at the Champions Trophy in its last two outings against the arch-rival. Saqlain predicted an intense contest this time around. “It would be one of the best games in recent times if we do face off,” he declared.