Shahbaz Wants Pakistan To Surprise Netherlands By Giving Their Best
Zeeshan Mehtab Published October 23, 2019 | 03:51 PM
Former Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed Senior has urged Pakistan team to give the best against Netherlands in the hockey qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, saying he expects Green-shirts to surprise the Dutch in the games
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Oct, 2019 ) :Former Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed Senior has urged Pakistan team to give the best against Netherlands in the hockey qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, saying he expects Green-shirts to surprise the Dutch in the games.
The qualifiers would take place in Amsterdam on October 26 and 27.
"It would be tough for the national team as World Ranked 17 Pakistan would be up against World No 3 Netherlands. But nothing was impossible. I want my country to win and be on the top as we once ruled the game," he told APP.
Shahbaz, who led Pakistan side to the 1994 Men's Hockey World Cup victory, said in order to regain the lost glory in hockey, the concerned authorities need to take visionary and stern steps.
"We need a proper center like a National Hockey academy in Islamabad where we can train players the whole year around having basic facilities like pool, gym, education and a hostel for the players," he said.
Shahbaz, who was the only player to win two consecutive 'Player of the Tournament' awards in the 1990 World Cup in Lahore and in the 1994 World Cup in Sydney, was of the view that we need to groom the under14, U16 and U18 players for future.
"We need a proper grant from the government according to the national hockey's sports Calendar and training commitments," he said.
"Each time we have to plea for grants to participate in national and international championships. If a proper grant is set for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) then it can manage the game from the grass-root to top level," he said.
The former PHF secretary said we also need to educate the players to meet up the international standards. "Our players lack behind as they do not have a proper diet, training facilities and education," he said.
Shahbaz said players should also be provided with jobs for a living. "I still get a handsome amount annually from the department I work in, therefore jobs important for players," he said.
He said it was the need of the hour to hold the Pakistan Hockey League (PHL). "If PHF can generate enough money from the league to manage the annual commitments of the team and players, then they would not have to ask the higher authorities for grants," he added.
However, Shahbaz wished best for Pakistan for the qualifiers saying he hoped the national team wins and qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
/778
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From Sports
-
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
1 hour ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
5 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
11 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
12 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
14 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
15 hours ago
-
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
15 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
14 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
15 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
14 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
14 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
14 hours ago