The under-16 hockey team was accorded warm welcome, here on Tuesday, after they returned from a highly successful Singapore trip, clinching the title of Asia Cup.
The squad and the staff were greeted by a large number of hockey fans, media representatives and general public at the AllamaIqbalAirport here.
Speaking to the media, Secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation, Asif Bajwa said the youth program aimed at discovering sport talent has brought the spectacular result.
Responding to an answer, he said that the goal-ratio and match statistics of the national team are simply outstanding and it’s a result of a two and half year investment in the squad. He termed the win an evidence of strength in the players. Team coach Rehan Butt was also present on the occasion.
Pakistan U-16 team beat Bangladesh 5-3 in the final, while they didn’t lose a single match during the tournament, bringing laurels for the homeland.
Pakistan U16 hockey team’s consultant, former hockey olympian, Tahir Zaman attributed teams success to collective efforts and brilliance of players.
“Despite hot weather conditions our team rose to the occasion and displayed excellent performance and remained unbeaten in the event,” he said.
He said the entire side demonstrated collective efforts and the players played every match with a renewed pledge to gain success.
The team was given a warm welcome on its arrival at the airport and hockey lovers, led by Secretary PHF Muhammad Asif Bjawa and rose petals were showered on the players and team management. The crowd chanted slogan for the rise of Pakistan hockey and Pakistan young team.
Tahir said each player of the team struck brilliance helping the side to maintain unbeaten run in the event.
“It is a new beginning in Pakistan hockey as real efforts are being made to groom a young team focusing on the future of Pakistan hockey”, he asserted.
The PHF hockey consultant expressed the hope that the team will produce similar results in future events as well.
Asia Cup was played under a completely different format compared to original hockey. The five a side matches were played on a short version with three halves of the play, each of twelve minutes. The green shirts beat Bangladesh in the ultimate show down.
The captain of the team, Noukhaiz Khan said he was delighted that his side won a title in its maiden appearance ,thus qualifying for next year’s Youth Olympics in China.
He acknowledged the role of every team member in its success saying all of them demonstrated high quality hockey endorsing the thoughts that Pakistan hockey is on right track.
“It is a good start and I am confident that we will be able to put up a much improved performance in the Youth Olympics,” he said.
Bajwa said the victory was the result of the PHF long term planning under which academies were established throughout the country.
“PHF embarked upon the journey to set up academies three years ago and certain quarters criticised us on having these institutions in all major cities,” he said adding “Time has proved that our that step was in right direction to better the sagging fortune of the game”.
PHF official praised the worthy contribution of team management comprising Tahir Zaman and coaches, Rehan Butt and Rana Zaheer.
“We will be arranging our team’s tour to Europe to add to the experience of players as a part of team’s preparations for Youth Olympics,” added Bajwa.