Sardar pained by Pakistan’s woeful show

NEW DELHI: Hassan Sardar is shocked. He was finding it hard to believe that Pakistan had lost to South Africa on Saturday. “It’s the darkest day in our hockey history. I am still at a loss for words. How could they go down to a team like South Africa?” the legend wondered aloud.

The 51-year-old, who is also the chief selector of Pakistan hockey, admitted he had never seen the national side play so bad. “They have been playing like this right through this tournament. If players like Sohail Abbas and Rehan Butt let you down, what more can you expect?”

One of the greatest ever centre-forwards of all time, Sardar was the man behind India’s 1-7 surrender to Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games final at this very venue, the Dhyan Chand National Stadium. “I think the credit for that win should also go to Shahid Ali Khan (the then Pakistan goalkeeper). He made many crucial saves. India didn’t play that bad as has been made out to be. Anyway, it’s a different feeling altogether to be back here.”

Being the chief selector, shouldn’t he share the blame too? “I had picked the best possible side. But I am not the one to play for them. They have shocked and saddened me with their performance,” the handsome Sardar added.

He, however, had some encouraging words for the Indians. “I don’t think they are playing that bad. They look a much improved side. I think they are creating the chances but finishing has been a problem,” he signed off.