Bajwa hopeful of Pakistan’s good showing in Champions Trophy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s hockey is riding high on confidence after winning a three-nation tournament beating hosts Australia in Perth and will be no pushovers at next month’s Champions Trophy to be held in New Zealand.

Pakistan Hockey Federation ( PHF) secretary Asif Bajwa, an Olympian, said that beating Australia on their home soil was a big achievement for the Asian Games gold medallists.

“Let’s be realistic – we have defeated Australia on their home soil and have won the three-nation event. Our next target is to put in our best efforts for ensuring a better show in the upcoming Champions Trophy and we are really working on it,” Dawn quoted Bajwa as saying.

He also said that Pakistan will be warming up for the Champions Trophy with two international games against Germany and Holland. The tournament, featuring the top eight teams, will be played in Auckland from December 3.

“We will be playing two training matches with Germany and Holland before featuring in the Champions Trophy,” said Bajwa.

“With Germany, it will be a one match training stint while we are trying to get confirmation from our Dutch counterparts,” he said.