Four nation hockey festival ended on Sunday, brought no joy for Pakistan men’s hockey team. Pakistan played 4 matches 3 in pool and last match was for bronze medal. They played all 4 matches poorly against all the participating teams. Earlier they missed two opportunity to win against Japan but they failed to make impact. In the pool match it was the defender to who almost noneffective at the time of Japan’s forwards attacking Pakistani goal, despite being Pakistani captain was playing in full-back position who’s performance was very disappointing. Pakistan defender never put up the good resistance and every time Japan’s players entered the Pakistani ‘D’ they manged to score the goal. In the last match which was played for bronze medal on Sunday afternoon Japan dominated Pakistan in all 4 quarter, they had four penalty corners two in row but Pakistani goalkeeper displayed great performance and held the Japan scoring further.
The international Hockey festival in Melbourne Australia was a great opportunity for Pakistan to provide solid platform to its players on international arena and gain experience on foreign soil. However team management and players failed to cash this opportunity. There were 4 other nations in Men’s team who were participation but none of their president, secretary or any other management came with the team. It was only Pakistani hockey federation official and their friends who were attending this event. Pak Awaaz was wondering who paid for their accommodation and airfare?
The hockey team not only disappointed Pakistanis living in Melbourne but it also disappointed the whole nation. Hockey is national game of Pakistan which has lost its glory days when every single tournament’s trophies and medals was under its belt. Pakistan was dominating, their players were sincere with game, loyal to country and officials were holding their positions to upheld the country and its pride hockey.