KARACHI, Oct 12: Pakistan’s miserable run in hockey drew harsh criticism Saturday as some former greats lashed out at top officials, saying fourth place at Asian Games is a disgrace.

Stars of yesteryear were of the opinion that it was due to lack of planning that Pakistan hockey was on the decline and it needed to be wrested by radical steps, including axing of half a dozen aging players.

Former captain Samiullah took a swipe at the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), which he felt had damaged Pakistan’s chances by relying on old hats rather than youngsters.

“It’s a shame for us that we are now fourth in Asia. A lot of damage has been done and now it’s time PHF took measures to save the country from further humiliation.

“Now we are at the lowest ebb. Isn’t it a shame that we have lost against Malaysia who are number fourth or fifth in Asia It’s really disgusting that we failed to win a medal at the Asiad,” he said.

Sami blamed the team management for the fiasco and cited lack of co-ordination between team officials and players as the major reason for 4-2 defeat against Malaysia in the bronze medal playoff.

It is the first time that former hockey powerhouse Pakistan, who won the Asian Games gold seven times, will return without a medal from the continental extravaganza.

Sami, nicknamed “Flying Horse” said although precious time had been wasted, the PHF should show the door to at least six players like the other sides had done.

He advised the PHF to put Ahmad Alam, Mohammad Sarwar, Mohammad Saqlain, Tariq Imran, and Mohammad Nadeem on the chopping-board for next Champions Trophy.

“PHF has always worked on short cuts and in a haphazard manner. And now it is reaping the results. It’s time to get rid of old hats and have young blood,” he said.

The former striker said Pakistan had young and adept players in Sameer Hussain who could be utilised both as right-in and a reserve centre-forward.

Sami suggested that an Under-21 be formed to meet the next year’s challenge

— Champions Trophy — by holding a camp for 30 to 35 players. “PHF should work on emergency basis by creating an U-21 outfit from where we can get boys for our senior side.”

He had sympathies for penalty corner striker Sohail Abbas who he felt needed a pep talk and proper guidance. “I must say Sohail has lot of hockey left but has not been properly utilised.”

Another former skipper Rasheedul Hassan came down hard on the PHF hierarchy for the humiliation which, he said, was the result of the “satisfaction” the PHF expressed earlier on back-to-back defeats.

“It’s a disgrace for our breed of players that we are not even third in Asia. The present state is because of wild jubilations of the PHF after Cologne Champions Trophy bronze.

“I repeat the present PHF administration is not capable of running the affairs. They should quit after this shameful performance, and the team officials be sacked,” he said.

The former right-half blasted coach Tahir Zaman for realizing after the defeat that the team must have youthful players.

“The PHF and the team officials turned a deaf ear when they were advised to have youngsters. It is irony that now the coach is saying that it is time to blood youngsters,” he added.

Rasheed agreed that Ahmad, Tariq, Sarwar, Nadeem, Saqlain should be replaced with young players for 2004 Athens Olympics.

Former coach Hanif Khan said he was shocked after what he called the demise of Pakistan hockey.

“I must say hockey is dead after the shameful performance. But it’s time to take damage control steps by axing Ahmad, Sarwar, Tariq, Nadeem, and Saqlain. PHF should plan in consultation with all the Olympians if it wants to rectify.”

Hanif also suggested to raise a Pakistan ‘A’ team from where the Pakistan seniors could get young and skilled players.

Former goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan said Pakistan hockey had hit rock bottom. “Team management has totally failed. It is a disgrace that we are now fourth in Asia.”

Our Lahore Correspondent adds: Olympian Naveed Alam said that Pakistan’s defeat was a big blow to the sport in the country.