ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) claimed on Monday that the team’s recent tour to Europe would prove beneficial for London Olympics because the green shirts had not been able to test their mettle against strong European sides for several years.Despite winning a four-nation tournament in Ireland where teams like France, China and hosts Ireland featured in, Pakistan’s performance painted a grim picture during the four-nation tour in the Netherlands going down against the hosts, Germany and England.

Talking to Dawn, PHF’s secretary Asif Bajwa maintained that though the team lost matches, but it was a great learning experience, which was in fact a build-up for the London Olympics.

The former Olympian said that Pakistan team could not play better consistently against the likes of Germany and other European teams.

The reason given by Bajwa, who faced criticism from hockey greats after Pakistan finished on low note at the European tour, is that the team is not playing against European sides for the last few years due to which they (Pakistan) are faced with difficulties.

“Whether you lose or win against teams like Germany and Holland, it is not a matter of concern. All that matters is that the more you play against strong teams, the more you will have strong chances to secure a win against them,” he maintained.

The former Olympian argued that the Dutch coach is doing a better job and giving better output and will be here till the London Olympics.

Regarding the ageing players the PHF’s secretary asserted that there is no term like ageing players as in today’s modern hockey it’s your performance which speaks.

“As long as you are fit having better stamina and skills you can be part of the national squad,” he claimed.

Bajwa said that in presence of an independent selection committee he has nothing to do with the selection of players, adding that different combinations are being tried out to ensure winning streak at the international level.