Pakistan squad a balanced one: Tahir
KARACHI, July 22: Coach Tahir Zaman said on Tuesday that Pakistan hockey squad for Champions Trophy is a balanced combination and he was looking ahead for the team to do well in Amstelveen, The Netherlands.
“This is a balanced combination and I am optimistic about team’s showing,” Tahir Zaman said in an interview. “Team was strengthened with the return of Muhammad Nadeem, Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmed,” he maintained.
**“They are all important and key players for the team and their return has boosted the morale of the team,” a qualified FIH grade-I coach Tahir said. **
He said besides penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas they have also prepared Ghazzanfar Ali Khan and Ali Raza for short corners.
“Pakistan definitely are a better side than the one which toured Australia and I expect the boys to do well,” Tahir said.
34-year-old Olympian Tahir Zaman was confident that his team would reach the victory rostrum. “This is the toughest event of international hockey and any team can beat any on a given day,” he added.
He negated the impression that former Pakistan captain Muhammad Sarwar was forced to take retirement by top officials of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
“It was all emotional talk. After so much attachment with the sport it happens,” Tahir said.
He said the whole team applauded and clapped for Sarwar and event PHF chief General Aziz Khan paid tributes for his contribution to the sport.
He said hockey is a high speed ball control game and physical fitness is very vital. “Keeping in the mind we included a younger player in the team,” he said.
To another question regarding keeping aging goal-keeper Ahmed Alam in the team, he said goalie got longer life in hockey as compared other players of the team.
Commenting on the strength of the team he said scoring field goals as well as conversion of penalty corners are both important in the modern hockey.
“We are expecting a couple of goals from forwards as well from penalty corner strikers” Tahir Zaman pointed out.
**To a question about induction of little known forward Muhammad Asim in the line-up, he said Asim has played for Pakistan Juniors as well as for Pakistan Whites in the triangular series last year.
“He has shown sparkle and is promising player and we have high hopes from him”,** Pakistan coach said. Asim, he said was a utility forward, who can play as left in, left winger and at centre forward position.
**Pakistan hockey team will play a couple of warm-up games against host The Netherlands before their 25th Champions Trophy, said Tahir. He said these games will be played on Aug 12 and 13 and Pakistan team will leave for Amsterdam between Augt 8-10 to feature in the premier six-nation contest. **
Besides, Pakistan and hosts and Olympic and Champions Trophy winners The Netherlands, Australia, Argentina, India and reigning world champions Germany will be battling for the top honours.
He said these two games will help us in build-up for the Champions Trophy because the Dutch are considered strongest team of the competition.-APP
Spot on Tahir Zaman. He got it everything right. I hope Pakistan wins the Champions Trophy. It’s been over 4 years we haven’t won major Hockey Competition. It’s 'bout time!
As Zaman mentioned, the Dutch are the best team to be defeated; and I would be shock if Netherlands lost this year. Followed by the Dutch, the World Champions Germany are the best team in the league and favs.
zindabad