Germany sweep hockey series

ISLAMABAD: Defending world champions Germany swept aside Pakistan 4-1 in the last match at the Bunda Ground Thursday to sweep the junior hockey series 4-0.

In what turned out to be a combination of exciting stick-work and coordination, German juniors displayed an exciting game to enthrall hockey fans who turned in numbers to make it a memorable outing.

Pakistan juniors started the day well but were unable to keep up the tempo they showed during the first two quarters. Germany struck through a field effort in the first quarter with Pakistan bouncing back in the second quarter through a penalty corner goal converted by Sufyan Khan.

Germany struck three more, one in each of the remaining three quarters to win the fourth and last match of the series 4-1. Germany won all their matches with the fourth one in a one-sided affair.

Later talking to The News, German hockey legend Christian Blunck highlighted the importance of the tour. “It is not only beneficial for the Pakistan hockey team, it will also help these players get first hand knowledge about European hockey. We are the first national team of any country to tour Pakistan in 21-year time which indeed will open the doors for international hockey in Pakistan,” he said.

To a question about the tour benefits for the German hockey team which will defend the title in India in eight months’ time, Blunck said it would benefit them also. “But now it is Pakistan hockey which is struggling. Once one of the most powerful teams in the world, Pakistan are now making efforts to raise a competitive team.

Pakistan hockey require more such tours. Other countries should also visit Pakistan in months and years to come.” Blunck said Pakistan juniors are technically good. “What they lack is physical fitness, mental toughness and lack of strategy making which is a must in modern day hockey.”

At the end of fourth and last match of the series, a simple ceremony was held where the German team was presented with the series winning trophy with German goalkeeper and ace forward receiving the individual awards.

Secretary Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) Zahoor Ahmad, Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Yasir Peerzada and German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas presented shields.