Team gears up for qualifiers in Egypt with chance to secure World Cup berth for first time in eight years
Pakistan’s return to FIH Pro League could be a turning point for the game of hockey in the country. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
The controversy surrounding the coaching setup of the Pakistan hockey team has finally been resolved, with the national team set to depart from Islamabad for Egypt on February 24 under the supervision of newly appointed coaches.
Pakistan will compete in the World Cup Qualifiers in Egypt from March 1 to March 7, where they have a chance of securing a World Cup berth for the first time in eight years.
Captain Ammad Butt expressed satisfaction over the resolution of the team’s demands, crediting Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and interim Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Wani for their efforts. “They are trying to improve matters, and we are grateful to them,” he said.
Read: Mohsin Naqvi meets national hockey team, assures support ‘until turmoil ends’ after Australia fiasco
With the appointment of a new team management in place of the old coaches, the team environment is now very good, Butt noted. He added that the replacement of the coaching staff with a new team management has improved the team environment. “After a long gap, Pakistan has this golden opportunity to qualify for the World Cup. We will make every effort to give happiness to the nation,” he added.
Training sessions are continuing at night during Ramazan, and all players are working very hard, the captain stated. The national team’s preparatory camp is currently underway in Lahore, where players are training through the night during the Holy Month of Ramazan – from 12am until Sehri – with Butt describing the squad’s commitment as exemplary.
Wani is overseeing all team affairs in his capacity as interim President of the Hockey Federation. He said on Friday that all players in the national squad have been directed to focus fully on training ahead of the upcoming qualifying round, assuring complete facilities and support.
In Egypt, Pakistan will face Malaysia, Austria, and China. A place in the semi-finals would be enough for the team to book their spot at the Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium in the second week of August.
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The development follows a standoff between the national squad and team management that had cast a shadow over Pakistan’s preparations for the qualifiers. On February 19, Pakistan’s hockey chief, Tariq Bugti resigned, a day after the prime minister ordered an inquiry into a shambolic tour of Australia that saw the national team scrubbing dishes in a guest house.
Captain Butt slammed the Hockey Federation, blaming the body for not paying for a hotel, with players forced to wash their clothes and dishes at what they deemed substandard accommodation in Hobart, Tasmania.
Bugti imposed a two-year ban on Butt, calling for an investigation after the team captain reportedly threatened the management on tour. The ban was subsequently lifted by Wani on Friday.
