Zakauddin confident ahead of Olympics

"After all the trials and errors, finally we have succeeded in having a well-balanced side. It's a combination of experienced and youth, the result of our last six months struggle. In Zeeshan Ashraf, Muhammad Imran and Imran Warsi, we posses a very solid defense and that is the least worrisome for me while they are backed up by good goalkeeping stuff from Salman Akbar and Nasir Ahmed. Any success we will have, depends on how the midfield will react to different situations. In fact it has a demanding dual job to perform, keep the bulwark-like defense and streamline the attacking strategy. Saqlain, the most experienced pivot, ought to play his part effectively. Flanked by Adnan Maqsood on the left, Saqlain will have the duty to occupy the central position, thus denying space to the opponents. In right half Muhammad Javed, his first test at this level, I see a productive future. He has the guts to fight back when beaten and that's a great quality in a player. Rana Asif's experience has further added strength to the midfield.""I have full trust in our forwards. In Waqas Sharif and Abbas Haider, we have two very fast, skillful and penetrative wingers. And when they are supported by such experienced inside forwards as Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi, Pakistan's attack can be deadly in its execution. Rehan and Shakeel are particularly dangerous in counter-attack. Strikers Muhammad Zubair, Waqas Akbar and the youthful Shafqat Rasool posses all the ingredients, primordial to fight for the Olympic crown."

Meanwhile, Olympian Mudassar Ali Khan said that merit has been destroyed in selection of Pakistan hockey team for Beijing Olympics.He said if the PHF does not give respect to seniors then he would announce retirement after the Beijing Olympics.

Talking to media at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore, Mudassar said that after he was dropped from the team due to his knee injury the federation has totally forgotten him.

He said that the existence of the PHF is only due to the players but the federation does not give any respect to the players.

Mudassar said that he has become fit through his own efforts but the PHF is not giving him his due right.

He said that the team for the Olympics has not been selected on merit.

Mudassar Ali Khan has represented Pakistan in 247 international matches.