Seniors can make the cut for Asia Cup: Farhat

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey team manager cum head coach Farhat Khan has said that senior players will be selected for Asia Cup if they show their form, skills, and fitness.

The Asia Cup will be played from October 11-22 in Dhaka. He said he will not make any tall claims but that he will prepare the players to deliver their best. Talking to ‘The News’ at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, he said that Pakistan team is passing through one of its toughest periods.

“In the present circumstances no one can claim to be the best. Recently Japan defeated Australia in World Hockey League, Korea defeated India, and China defeated Malaysia. Thus, any balanced team on its day can defeat any powerful team.

“The boys have been told that they should not come under pressure against any team and play with full motivation and take advantages of minor errors of the other teams as it can change the game at any stage. The fighting spirit is the key. We are giving them all these tips so that they understand what the importance of Asia Cup is to make Pakistan prominent in the world hockey once again.

“Pakistan will have to face all strong teams of Asia. So far pools have not been decided. We do not know who will be our rivals in the pool matches but we are preparing keeping in mind all Asian teams,” Farhat said.

“Obviously archrivals India will be a tough opponent. We have devised a plan to defeat India. But we do not rule out Malaysia, Korea, China and Japan, because on its day any team can do anything,” he added.

On the selection of the team, he said that it was the prerogative of the selection committee but team management had given its opinion. He said the team management felt that before Asia Cup a series should be arranged against some strong side. “PHF is making hectic efforts in this regard but due to the busy schedule of other teams it is finding it difficult. Our players may have to make do with the matches played during the camp and a couple of matches in Dhaka ahead of Asia Cup,” he said.

Farhat said the training camp had been started from August 17 and it would be continued till the vacations of Eid-ul-Azha. The training will resume from September 7 and continue till the departure for Bangladesh, he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan goalkeeper Amjad Ali was injured during the training session during penalty corner drills, but the team management said his injury was not serious and he would continue the training.