Farhat resigns, PHF trying to rope in a foreign coach

KARACHI: The head coach of Pakistan hockey team Farhat Khan has resigned citing some personal engagements.

While talking to ‘The News’, Farhat Khan said he would not be able to continue his services as head coach as the schedule of Pakistan team in 2018 would be hectic and he would be busy owing to his family engagements.

He said that he had some weddings and social gatherings ahead so it was difficult for him to remain at the training camps of Pakistan team.He stressed that he had no differences with anyone. Farhat said he did not know if PHF wanted to hire any foreign coach.

He telephoned PHF high officials on Monday and informed them about his decision to not continue. The PHF has accepted his decision. Farhat further said that he would continue to support the promotion of hockey and would always be available to PHF and hockey fraternity. “I pray for the success of Pakistan in coming events, especially the Asian Games,” he added.

He said that Pakistan team was passing through a rebuilding process and hockey enthusiasts should not lose hope because of the recent defeats. The PHF high officials, when contacted, confirmed that Olympian Farhat had resigned. They appreciated the services of Farhat, saying he worked hard for the betterment of the team.

When asked about the possible appointment of a foreign coach, they said talks were continuing with at least three foreign coaches, two German and one Australian. The sources said that the foreign coach was being brought keeping in mind the hectic schedule of Pakistan team in 2018.

They said in the current circumstances hiring a foreign coach was a better option. It was also learnt that PHF has increased the members of national selection committee and directed that at least one member should be present during the national championship in Sukkur.

The PHF high officials said that keeping in mind the services and experiences Farhat, the PHF had included him in the selection committee along with Qasim Khan. Now the selection committee comprises five people. The other three are Hasan Sardar, the chief selector, Ayaz Mehmood and Musaddiq.

When this reporter asked Farhat about his being nominated as a member of the selection committee, he said he did not know about it. The PHF has also directed the members of its think tank to visit Sukkur and see the matches of the national championship and give their opinion to PHF.