Contemporary players lack patriotism: Shahbaz

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Shahbaz Ahmad Senior has said he believes the players of today lack the patriotism which the former Green-shirts had.

This has been the reason behind Pakistan hockey’s decline over the years, Shahbaz told PPI.

“There was a time when the hockey world used to cherish our skills with the stick and grip over the ball. The wrist work of the Green-shirts was envied. I see the same skills and talent today in our players, but they lack fitness, confidence, commitment and, most importantly, nationalism,” Shahbaz said.

He further said that current players give priority to substandard leagues as compared to camps, national events and sometimes even international commitments.

“I played hockey for about 20 years and the goal of players (then) was to take the country’s name to the top of the podium,” said Shahbaz, who led the Green-shirts to their last World Cup triumph, in 1994.

He further said that the federation’s goal was to propel the Green-shirts to supremacy in Asian events and then regain their international standing.

“Previous PHF setups didn’t lift the national hockey standard, while other nations progressed. There was a huge gap when we took control. There is a lot of work to do and that has to start at the grassroots level. I cannot claim the Green-shirts will be jumping to the top of the charts anytime soon. It would take at least two years. We are investing in our under-18 and under-16 teams. The government should also help the national sport,” he added.