Skipper of the national hockey team Mohammad Imran said Tuesday that the European trip would help the green shirts prepare well for the London Olympics 2012, which is the major focus of Pakistan as team prepares to face top ranking nations during this tour.
Talking to journalists here on Tuesday, he said that although it is a hectic tour, yet it would be fruitful for the future events. “Boys will certainly learn much during this trip after playing with Holland, Germany, England and other nations,” he maintained.
Responding to a question, he said that Pakistan did well in the pervious four-nation events in Dublin and beat China and hosts Ireland back-to-back twice to lift the title. “Our main target is Olympics 2012 which will be staged in London and climate will be same like here and this will be benefited for the whole team,” he said.
“We are using different strategy and combinations to formulate a strong side for the Olympics and boys are eager to exhibit remarkable performance in the international events. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is doing well for the promotion of game and to enhance the players’ performance, “he viewed.
Imran further said that PHF took accurate decision to plan the Europe tour. “We will also attend training camp here and it will be great occasion for the players to work hard to get the berth in the final squad. PHF’s president Qasim Zia and secretary Mohammad Asif Bajwa are well-wisher of hockey and filling all the demands of players, “he said.
Imran hoped that the team would display excellent performance in the ongoing four-nation hockey event.
“Although hosts Holland, England and Germany are strong side of the world, but we will give them a tough time and victory will not be easy for them. Pakistan players are in high spirit after winning the four-nation tournament in Dublin,” he said.
“It is good omen that Sohail Abbas is in full form and producing excellent performance. Other boys are also toiling hard and doing well with the sticks. Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi are also in form. We will go all out against best teams of international hockey, “he said.
“After Rabo four-nations, Pakistan will play bilateral series against Belgium and some matches with other teams. We will not disappoint the hockey lovers and PHF. Boys are doing well, coach is working hard and the PHF making its best efforts so there is no reason not to perform well during this trip,” he concluded.
