The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) expressed satisfaction Wednesday with the way the team performed in the first version of the nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series in Australia. Pakistan won bronze medal after failing to get a spot in the final. Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Australia contested the first edition of the tournament, played from October 20 to 23, at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Australia. The home teams, Australia’s and Hockeyroos (Australia’s women) lifted the gold medals in both the tournaments. Chief selector Pakistan hockey team Hanif Khan applauded the performance of the his team in the tournament. He said, “If we look at the results, Pakistan lost only one match in the tournament and finally managed to grab the third position by beating India 4-1. So the result is satisfactory”.
Pakistan played four games in the four-day nine-a-side event but lost only once in the tournament. It managed draws in the other two group matches against India and New Zealand and outplayed India in the play-off fixture. Declaring the game quite different from traditional hockey, Hanif said, “Only nine players could be fielded instead of conventional eleven players in the tournament. Moreover, many other changes were also introduced in the event”. Apart from the number of players, many other modifications were made. The wider goal-mouths, the reduced time of 30 minutes with two halves of 15 minutes each, long corners and softer rules in terms of stick and foot fouls, were all part of the new format. Hanif praised the role of keeper Imran Shah. He said that the youngster Imran Shah proved his potential in the tournament. Hence, Salman Akbar will face tough competition to get a place in the national team. Overall, PHF had a positive outlook towards the tournament and the performance of the Pakistan team. It applauded the team for attaining the third position.
