Pakistan gear up for Asian Hockey Champions Trophy amid last-minute hurdles

Pakistan’s hockey is struck in a downward spiral with the authorities unable to do much to lift the sport in which the nation has a glorious past.

The Green Shirts are in China these days to feature in the Asian Champions Trophy, which will begin in Hulunbuir from September 8, but things are not going in the right direction.

Over the course of the year, Pakistan hockey showed signs of life during the Paris Olympics Qualifiers, where they finished fourth, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (silver medalist) and the FIH Nations Cup, where they ended up in fourth place. However, lack of planning and proper coaching means that the team is back to square one ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Coaching issue

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) utilized the services of Dutch master coach Roelant Oltmans for the national men’s side in the last few months. The PHF used to pay Oltmans on event-to-event basis and he was scheduled to join the national team in China before the Asian Champions Trophy. However, he refused to do so after PHF failed to offer him a long-term contract sought by the Dutchman.

Zeeshan Ashraf and Usman Sheikh are handling the side in China during training and warm-up games before the event kicks-off formally on Sunday.

After PHF failed to convince Oltmans, it roped in former Olympian and ex-captain Tahir Zaman as head coach of Pakistan team — which has also won the Asian Champions Trophy three times.

Tahir is not a new choice as he has served as Pakistan’s coach in the past as well. Under his watch, Pakistan failed to win any title. However, there is no doubt that he is a qualified coach and was the easiest option for the PHF to bring him in to handle the side in China.

However, it would not be easy for Tahir to marshal his troops since he will only get three days to work with the side before the start of the tournament.

Pakistan's results at the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

Pakistan's performance at the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy over the years. Nukta

Financial issues and missing players

The PHF has been facing huge financial issues which is evident from the fact that federation also had to face problems in meeting the air-fare expenses for the China tour. Failure to enter into a long-term agreement with Oltmans is also because of financial concerns.

The team will also be missing some key players as Abdul Rehman Jr, Ahtisham Aslam and Murtaza Yaqoob are playing leagues in Europe while Arbaz Ahmed has decided not to feature in the event due to his personal commitment.

Despite various issues Pakistan’s assistant coach Usman Sheikh is confident that the team will qualify for the final.

“All players are fit and ready for the challenge,” Usman told Nukta from China.

“We have designed our training plan and are acting accordingly. Other nations have also started arriving here and we may also play a couple of practice games against them also before the event,” Usman said.

He said that they would try their level best to carry the momentum of the Azlan Shah Cup into the Asian Champions Trophy.

“Our team is in fine rhythm and we are hopeful to qualify for the final. Here weather is ideal with temperature ranges from 24 to 26 degree Celsius and it is benefitting us,” Usman added.

Record four-time champions India will defend their title.

Besides India and three-time champions Pakistan, Malaysia, the 2021 edition champions South Korea, Japan and hosts China will be pressing for the title.

Pakistan will begin their journey with the game against Malaysia on September 8. It will be followed by their shows against South Korea on September 9, Japan on September 11, China on September 12 and India on September 14.

Top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals which will be conducted on September 16 with the final and third-place game to be conducted on September 17.