ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey team head coach and manager Shahnaz Sheikh has termed preparations for the Asian Games up to the mark and looks quite hopeful that the team will defend its title in style.
Talking to The Nation on Monday, Shahnaz said: “When the team was handed over to me, the players’ fitness level was quite questionable, but after only four-week training, the boys’ dedication and my assistants’ help, I managed to transform them and getting more than satisfactory response from them. I am happy the way they have been training hard in the camp, they will be capable enough to improve their fitness.”
He said injuries were already taking its toll. “We have a lot of injuries for the past four weeks. Umar Bhutta has taken one-month rest due to stomach upset while Rizwan Senior has twisted his ankle, Liaqat Rasool’s father has passed away, Fareed has taken four-week leave due to hamstring. Now the total strength of the camp remains at 32.3 players, who have yet to report in the camp. Haseem Khan is expected to join the camp in the first week of June while Khalid Bhatti and Ali Shan are expected to be the part of the camp in next two or three days.
“I have successfully managed to transform players to play both classic and modern hockey and also gave top priority to goalkeeping department. All the available four goalies are doing wonderfully well in the camp and I have also emphasised on short corners. I don’t want players to play long balls, instead I am focusing on short passes, which will help players a great deal in tackling the opponents in the competitive matches,” he added.
He said that the camp would continue till June 15. I must appreciate that the youngsters have learnt a lot while playing against the seniors and they are getting into shape with each passing day. The main objective of inviting junior players to the camp was to give them much-needed exposure and provide them with an opportunity to gain experience. They are doing well, but to get into the national squad, it needs a special effort from each and every youngster. The seniors have once again showed their desire, commitment and fitness and they still can provide more than desired results.”
“I have spent four weeks with players and now I could easily describe they have gained almost 30-40 percent match fitness. There is still a room for improvement and I am working tirelessly to help the country regain its lost glory. I am quite confident that due to my efforts, the players will be able to produce more than desired results,” he stated.
“The second phase of training was scheduled at Abbottabad, but I have decided to continue training at the same venue. I have requested the PHF in this regard because I am more than satisfied with the facilities being provided by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). I am not sure players will get same kind of facilities anywhere else and at that crucial stage, I can’t afford to take risk, as players are shaping up well, that was the reason behind my decision preferring Pakistan Sports Complex to Abbottabad,” Shahnaz concluded.