KARACHI Olympian Hanif Khan has said that he is always available to serve Pakistan hockey and is glad that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) considered him worthy of taking over the position of chief selector. Speaking to Dawn on Monday, he said “I feel happy that the federation entrusted me with the chief selector's job. I only wanted to serve hockey in whatever way I could and PHF's decision will allow me to do that.”
Asked how he intended doing that and if he thought that his predecessor Hasan Sardar had not been doing his job properly.
Hanif said “I am sure Hasan did his duty to the best of his ability. He was a very good selector in my opinion. But I have my own style. I watch any hockey match be it in a school event, a regional championship, departmental affair or a national tournament. And if I see a talented player in any of these events now, I will definitely pick him for even the national camp. It doesn't matter how young he may be. Anyone who deserves it will get a chance to play according to his abilities.”
Asked if he intended making major changes in the current national side that finished last in the World Cup, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist was of the opinion that it was not necessary to make drastic changes to the side. “We have three major events coming up this year. First there is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, then the Commonwealth event followed by the Asian Games. I think the current team has the potential to do well in all of these events so making major changes might backfire. Therefore I don't intend to do it right away,” he explained.
But when reminded of the team's recent disgraceful performance, he said “I believe the team has potential but the rest depends on the coaching they will receive. If the federation manages to find someone who can guide them well and who understands the players, this same outfit that lost so badly in the World Cup will rise again to win matches,” he said.
Speaking about his son Azlan and nephew Haseem Khan's future in view of his newly-acquired post, Hanif said “They will play or not play on their own merit. Like anyone else, their fitness and game will decide their fate. My being related to them will not effect team selection. I have no desire to favour any player unnecessarily.”
