ISLAMABAD : Former Pakistan hockey players have called for an injection of fresh talent into the national team after another disappointing World Cup campaign, saying a strong showing at next month’s Asian Games could help revive the sport.
Four-times world champions Pakistan were eliminated from the title race at the tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium and will face South Africa in a classification match for 11th place.
Pakistan last won the World Cup in 1994 and have endured a 32-year wait for another title.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced plans for a domestic hockey league and initiatives to promote the sport in schools, but former players believe immediate attention should be focused on the Asian Games in Japan.
“This hockey league and all is fine in the long run but right now Pakistan hockey needs an injection (of fresh blood) which will only come if we do well in the Asian Games,” former Olympian Wasim Feroze said.
Feroze said Pakistan needed positive results against regional rivals including India, Malaysia, Japan, China and South Korea to restore interest in the sport.
“Everyone wants to play cricket and we are not getting enough talent from the grassroots level,” he added.
Former international Ahmed Alam said the PHF must assess why Pakistan have struggled against European and SENA teams — South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
“Pakistan hockey has fallen way behind other countries,” Alam said, noting the team’s struggles even against Japan.
Pakistan finished ninth and last in the recent FIH Pro League.
