LAHORE, Nov 25: Lauding the joint efforts of players and officials which resulted in gold medal for the country at the Asian Games on Thursday, Pakistan Hockey Federation President (PHF) Qasim Zia declared that the authorities had already made an extensive programme targeting other major world titles.

“The combined efforts of players and team officials and, at times, government support has brought this day for the nation, for which we had been struggling for the last 16 years,” a jubilant Qasim said while talking to reporters here at the National Hockey Stadium after Pakistan defeated Malaysia at the Asian Games final in Guangzhou, China to claim the gold at the continental extravaganza after 20 years.

“The show produced by our goalkeeper, defence, half and that of forward lines was a treat to watch. Besides, there was complete coordination among all the departments,” Qasim, a former Olympian, said.

“The boys utilised their full potential in the final and the shortcomings we observed in their semi-final win against South Korea were not repeated,” he said.

The PHF chief emphasised the Guangzhou victory would pave the way for reviving hockey in the country, adding the federation had already made a comprehensive programme targeting major international events like World Cup, Champions Trophy and the Olympics.

“We had set gold medal as our target in the Asian Games almost two years ago and thank God we achieved this. Now we are eyeing the Olympics, World Cup and the Champions Trophy,” he remarked.

“As the Asian Games win has also given Pakistan a direct place in the 2012 London Olympics, we have adequate time to prepare for that,” he said, thanking the government for providing timely funds to the PHF.

To a question about any incentives he wanted to announce for the victorious players, Qasim said the PHF Patron Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would announce the prizes himself upon the triumphant team's arrival.

On senior players like Zeeshan Ashraf, Rehan Butt, Sohail Abbas, Salman Akbar and Waseem Ahmed who are fast approaching retirement stage, he said he was not in a position to say anything about their future.

“It is up to the selectors and coach to determine about the fitness of any player. Decisions in this regard will be taken after their return home,” he expressed.

It is pertinent to mention here that Zeeshan — before departing for the Asian Games — had advised the senior pros, including himself, to quit the game after the Asiad so that the PHF could build a strong new team consisting of talented youngsters for the 2012 Olympics.

The senior players were so dejected after finishing the worst ever 12th position in the last World Cup held in Delhi earlier this year that they all announced retirement from international hockey. Later, the PHF persuaded them to withdraw the decision.

However, Pakistan flopped again at the Commonwealth Games in October at New Delhi claiming a poor sixth spot.

Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt also felicitated the national hockey team and its management for winning the gold medal at the Asiad, insisting the PHF role should also be recognised in the victory. “Pakistan's hockey team have given an excellent gift to the nation and after 20 long years we are once again the best hockey team in Asia,” Ijaz said.

“On behalf of the PCB and Pakistan's entire cricketing fraternity, I would like to congratulate the hockey team on this historic success. The team has made the whole country feel proud and we wish them best of luck for their future endeavours,” the PCB chief stated.