Pakistan hockey team’s chief coach, Akhtar Rasool Chaudhary has said that he does not want to make tall claims regarding team’s performance in two back to back tournaments in Australia but was hopeful of improvement in its world ranking.
“I dot say that we will win the champions trophy or 9-a-side tournament which we will be playing in our tour to Australia but I am confident of one thing that we can improve our ranking from number seven to at least number five or four,” he said before the departure of the team to Australia here on Tuesday. Pakistan will first play in a 9-a-side hockey tournament in Perth from November 22 followed by its participation in Champions Trophy from December 2 in Melbourne He said the sour memories of Pakistan’s finishing 7thin London Olympics are a saga of past and the tour of Australia is a new assignment which requires a much improved show from the team to better its ranking. “It is imperative to concentrate on bettering team’s ranking and is we accomplish this task, it will add to the confidence of players to feel elevated “,he said adding “ I have no extra pressure on myself as I am not speaking high about teams success in two back to back tournaments which will be the test of endeavor and potential of players.” “I will be happy and contended if we improve our ranking to fourth or fifth place,” said the team official adding that worlds eight best teams will be show casing their talent in Champions trophy a much tougher tournament than world cup and Olympics.” Akhtar, a former Pakistan captain, termed 9-a-side hockey tournament a faster version of the game which demands extra ability, efforts and stamina of players. “By featuring in it (9-a-side) we will be able to help the players to touch their peak which will be utilized in the Champions trophy for getting some good results,” The former Olympian said he was not disappointed with the present state of the hockey and team’s performance. “We are focusing on future and that is why we have two uncapped players in the side and we are gradually building the team for 2014 World Cup,” he said. The team official said due to lesser time available the team management could not make wholesale changes in the side for the tour of Australia after its participation in London Olympics. “Bringing changes in the side is a continuous process keeping in view building the side for World Cup and team’s participation in two tournaments in Australia will be a step forward our future goals,” said Akhtar Rasool a former celebrated centre half. To a question, he said that he believes that team has the potential to upset any strong opponent including Australia which routed Pakistan 7-0 in London Olympics.
