Karachi: The Pakistan hockey team, currently in China, is facing significant challenges as they prepare for the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. According to Geo News, the national side has not only lost several senior players but has also been deprived of the services of their foreign coach, Roelant Oltmans.
In a major setback, Dutch coach Oltmans has decided not to continue coaching the Pakistan team just before the important tournament. Sources indicate that Oltmans was seeking a long-term contract with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). However, the PHF preferred to offer him a contract on an event-by-event basis. As a result, the discussions between the PHF and Oltmans failed, and he will not be available to coach the team in the upcoming tournament.
Adding to the team’s difficulties, vice-captain Abu Bakar has yet to receive his visa for China. Abu Bakar, who is currently playing league hockey in Australia, was expected to join the Pakistan team directly from there.
Moreover, players Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtisham Islam, and Abdul Rehman are currently engaged in league hockey in Europe, while Arbaz Ahmed has chosen not to travel to China due to personal commitments.
These setbacks mean that six senior players from the squad that participated in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the Nations Cup will be unavailable for the tournament. Pakistan’s first match in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is scheduled against Malaysia on September 8.
About The Author
