Oltmans empowered to lead selection panel for Azlan Shah Hockey

ISLAMABAD: Head coach Roelant Oltmans has been given all the powers to decide on the selection of the Pakistan team for the Azlan Shah Hockey till the time the government decides on the fate of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

Both federations -- the one headed by Mir Tariq Masoori Bugti, nominated by the Prime Minister, and other headed by Shehla Raza -- met Rana Mashhood, PM Advisor on Youth Affairs, and gave their sides of story.

Mashhood was supported in his efforts by Olympian Khawaja Junaid and Deputy Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Shahid Islam. Taking immediate measures, Mushhood has empowered Roelant Oltmans to select the final travelling squad in coordination with the Director General Pakistan Sports Board and a representative of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) following a two-day trial over the weekend to be held in Islamabad.

“Roelant Oltmans in coordination with the DG PSB and POA rep will be responsible for team’s selection for the Azlan Shah Hockey. While reaching this decision I also took Minister for IPC Ahsan Iqbal in confidence. I am thankful to both parties for understanding the urgency of the matter and agreeing to the outcome of the six hours long meeting,” Mushhood said.

He said the decision was taken in accordance with the directions and vision of the Prime Minister who is also the Patron in Chief of the PHF. “The conflict was bringing bad name to Pakistan hockey nationally and internationally. There has been a total stalemate and secondly FIH has also expressed its concerns on the development. I am glad that things have worked out and matters have been resolved.”

Mushhood said that within the next few days, the government in coordination with the POA and FIH would decide on the federation’s fate. “Which federation is genuine and which is not will be decided within the next couple of days.”

Khawaja Junaid who also attended the meeting later talked to The News, saying the decision was taken in the best interest of the country’s hockey. “Country’s hockey and its image is more important for us. What we have suggested to the Committee Chairman Rana Mushood was in the best interest of hockey. We will decide on the federation’s future in accordance with the laid down rules,” he said.

The News has also learned that the PSB has been directed to look after all the boarding, lodging and traveling of the team to Malaysia. It was also decided that all the players training in Karachi and those belonging to Mari Petroleum will appear for trials over the weekend along with top 27 already getting training in Islamabad.