Abdul Jabbar Faisal
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Former captain of national Pakistan hockey team, goalkeeper and Olympian Ahmed Alam has said that the federation politics ruined the national game in the country and players should not be involved in the federation’s affairs.
While talking to Editor www.sports-bulletin.com during an exclusive sitting here at a local hotel Pak-Punjb, Ahmed Alam lamented over the declining standard of the national game hockey in the country. “The inside politics of the federation is hurting the game of hockey and unfortunately we have involved the players too in the dirty politics. At least players should not be a part of this thing. If an official is replaced with another one, one who comes changes the team’s players. This is not good for hockey, “he said.
“There is a musical-chair game in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and one goes, another comes and one who goes out starts leg pulling. At present, the federation has adopted the policy to adjust the people, who criticize the top officials of the federation. You can compromise with 15 to 20 men but this is not a good approach. We should bring merit to the federation first and other things will run smoothly automatically. Merit in the PHF is important to put the national game of hockey on the right track, “he elaborated.
Former captain further said that no doubt the foreign coaches always produced remarkable results and it might be more fruitful after engaging them with the juniors and rising players. “There must be criteria of coaches. We should give qualified coaches assignments at national level then budding hockey lads learn better and basics of hockey. Also, the government should provide financial assistance to the Pakistan hockey federation. Finances are the fundamental need to run sports and you cannot compromise on it. Players must be facilitated, “he said.
Regarding a question about the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, Ahmed Alam said he could not blame anyone. “Our boys did well in the pool matches against Holland, Belgium and New Zealand but unfortunately owing to lack of international exposure and experience our players failed to overcome heavyweights Spain in quarterfinal despite displaying excellent skill of hockey. Our goalkeeper Abdul Rafay saved over half a dozen goals during the first thirty minutes of the game. Because of pressure and inexperience he conceded the goals on penalty corners, “he asserted.
“We will have to strengthen hockey at gross-root level, especially departmental hockey to boost the standard of the game at domestic level. The future of the hockey players must be safe and secure. They must be provided job opportunities and other facilities. At the school and colleges level hockey sticks should be provided free and there should be players’ cotta in admissions. We will have to make joint efforts with the support of the government to take the national game on peak once again. All ex international Pakistani hockey players should play their role in the promotion of the national game hockey and for raising the green flag at the international hockey stadiums, “he concluded.
