Australia favourites for World Cup: Rehan

NEW DELHI: Rehan Butt, one of the top strikers in world hockey today, will surely attract a lot of attention during the World Cup coming up in New Delhi from Feb 28. But Butt himself doesn’t think so. “I’m just an ordinary player,” he says with all modesty. Butt spoke to TOI from Lahore as he gets ready for the mega event. Excerpts:

Why Pakistan and India are struggling in hockey?

When we were super powers, we didn’t think about the future. While we were winning World Cup and Olympics, we didn’t bother to work on grassroot programmes. However, now something is happening in Pakistan in this regard. I don’t know much about India’s developmental programme. We have various academies where future players are being groomed. Besides, recent results are quite positive. We qualified for Asia Cup, World Cup qualifiers and the Champions Challenge.

Pakistan will start the World Cup campaign against India…

Yeh match jitna jaldi ho jaye, utna behtar hai dono team ke liye. Pressure will be immense on both. It is good to have this match early because it can help us get into rhythm before we go into other matches.

How good has been Pakistan’s preparation?

World Cup is a big event and we are well prepared. Recently, we played two friendlies against Holland in Doha.

What do you think of the controversies surrounding Indian and Pakistan hockey?

Every time there is a World Cup, interestingly, both Indian and Pakistan hockey teams are embroiled in controversies. While in India, the players fought for their payments, in Pakistan, the federation changed. Just before the 2006 World Cup also our federation was changed. This is not good for hockey. But I’m sure the result will be better this time.

Which country is your favourite for the World Cup?

Definitely, Australia, followed by Holland, Germany and Spain. Pakistan and India will be the dark horses. They have the ability to create upsets.

Do India and Pakistan really need foreign coaches?

I’m not against a foreign coach. They know the modern techniques better. But both India and Pakistan play their own brand.