PHF to hold special training session for goalkeepers

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to hold a special training session for the goalkeepers of senior and junior teams under the supervision of specialist coaches, ‘The News’ has learnt.

The session is likely to be conducted in Karachi before the junior hockey World Cup 2016. The purpose is to hone the skills of the goalkeepers keeping in view their dismal performances in the recent international assignments.

PHF sources said that four to six goalkeepers from each tier of the Green-shirts would be trained and coached.

Sources also said that the PHF is considering acquiring the services of three leading goalkeepers of their time – Olympian Shahid Ali Khan, Olympian Mansoor Ahmed and Ahmed Alam – who played a crucial a role in Pakistan’s victories in major tournaments with their formidable goalkeeping.

Shahid has been the manager and coach of Pakistan’s most successful domestic team PIA.

Ahmed Alam has been coaching the goalkeepers for some days and has a good coaching experience.

The move will benefit the players and help in strengthening both the teams especially before the junior hockey world and the senior Asia Cup which is the qualifying event for World Cup 2018.

If the decision doesn’t turn out to be advantageous, the PHF would likely opt for a foreign goalkeeping coach.

It is also learnt that the PHF is also trying to invite a foreign team to Pakistan before the junior World Cup in India, which can help Pakistani players maintain their momentum. The PHF is in contact with Argentina, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.