This is interesting news coming out from Pakistan. maybe someone in the Malaysian hockey Confederation or the national team set-up might want to have something to say.
Last I heard was in January 2012 when Pakistan invited Malaysia and the then coach Tai Beng Hai was not keen, due to security reasons.
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Qasim Zia has
revealed that Pakistan would soon host Malaysia as they were in close
contact with Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and things were heading
towards right direction. In an exclusive interview with The Nation,
Qasim said on Wednesday: “Hopefully, the bilateral hockey series with
Malaysia will be held soon as possible. We are also in close contact
with other federations, but still the security concerns are holdin
international teams from visiting Pakistan.” He said their main task
was the World Cup 2014 and the team would leave for Malaysia to take
part in the World Cup qualifiers and Asia Cup while Pakistan would also
participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup in Delhi. To a query about
Pakistan-India bilateral hockey series, Qasim replied: “As far as the
relations between both the federations are concerned, we are enjoying
very cordial ties. It is the Indian government, which is the main hurdle
in restoration of bilateral series.” “We will not play any direct
series with them until and unless they fulfil the promises, but as the
members of the FIH, we have to honour our commitments and have to play
against them in international events, whether in India or somewhere
else,” he added. He said the federation had given chance to young
players in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to groom them at international
level by resting key players Shakeel Abbasi, Rashid, Rizwan Senior,
Waseem and Tauseeq. “I am quite satisfied with the juniors’ performance
in the event.” He said Sohail Abbas was given too many chances but the
age factor had taken its toll. “Imran and Atiq are doing fine job in
short corners department and Tauseeq is also a very good addition.” “The
main reason behind why juniors are not playing outstanding hockey is
the fact that the international hockey has not been played in the
country for the last few years. Though juniors are being given chances
at national and international events yet we can't put too many young
players in international events. But gradually the junior players will
be provided chances to showcase their skills at international level,”
the PHF chief said. When this scribe asked Qasim why the federation was
not taking past legends on board and not listening to their genuine
demands, he replied: “Soon after taking the charge as a PHF chief, I
invited all the past greats and they were very much on board. They have
same passion and affection for hockey, which we have and I also wrote
them letters asking them to come and guide us how to regain lost glory
of hockey. But I have not received any reply from them in this regard.
My doors are always open for them. Taking this opportunity through this
interview, I request all the hockey legends to come and discuss with us
the ways and means to improve the standard of hockey. It will not only
beneficial for hockey players and federation but also for the country to
climb back to the same heights which we were once,” he added. “I am
open to healthy criticism as I am very much open to suggestions. The
hockey greats must come up with solid plans, ways and means, how to
improve hockey and it is my promise I will do my best to implement all
those suggestions in true letter and spirit,” Qasim concluded.
