Karachi, Jan 29 (DPA) Pakistan hockey coach Shahid Ali Khan believes prevailing uncertainty over his team’s participation in the World Cup will not affect its chances in the quadrennial spectacle to be held in New Delhi from Feb 28-March 13.
Shahid said instead his players are training hard in Lahore to make their presence felt in the 12-nation World Cup.
Shahid told �The News’ Friday that his charges are fully focused on preparing for the World Cup in spite of the fact that the government is yet to take a decision on their participation.
“We know that a decision is yet to be taken and that there is a possibility that we might not be allowed to take part in the World Cup,” said Shahid, a former Olympian.
“But that doesn’t change anything. We are rigorously preparing for the World Cup without bothering whether we would be allowed to play in it or not. In any case, it is a decision that has to be taken by the government and we would do whatever we are told to do.”
Government authorities are considering calls from various quarters to keep the national hockey team away from the World Cup to protest against Indian Premier League’s (IPL) decision to snub Pakistani cricketers for its third season.
At an auction in Mumbai earlier this month, IPL franchises decided against picking any Pakistani cricketer for this year’s season, igniting fierce criticism in Pakistan with many former greats calling for a boycott of the hockey World Cup to be held on Indian soil.
It’s not an ideal scenario for the Pakistan hockey team that made the cut for the World Cup by winning a qualifying tournament in France last November and is now looking forward to making its presence in the World Cup.
“Our training is progressing according to plans. The boys are keen to attain peak fitness and the officials are working overtime to prepare strategies. Things are moving in the right direction for us,” he said.
Shahid said he and fellow team coaches have identified a few key areas that need improvement.
“We are working on overcoming weaknesses in our deep defense, one-to-one tackling. The boys are learning how to avoid coming under pressure in the last minutes of crucial matches. Then we are concentrating on short corner defence and offence,” he said.
rounak