THIS is apropos of your editorial, “Hockey’s Olympic challenge” (July 16). Given their dismal performance in the Azlan Shah Cup where they shamefully finished rock bottom, even the most ardent fans of Pakistan hockey entertain no high hopes with our national players to do wonders in the Olympic Games. Considering our proud tradition and witnessing Pakistan hockey sinking to new lows, the former Olympians expressed their concerns, terming the team’s performance abysmal, embarrassing and alarming.

That’s why our national hockey team left for London without much media hype. All this presents a very dreary and bleak picture of Pakistan hockey, lacking any optimism whatsoever.

However, pessimism is no solution. The recent tough training they have had at Abbotabad in connection with the Olympic preparations and inclusion of senior players like Shakeel Abbasi, Rehan Butt and Waseem Ahmed have given them renewed hopes and vigour to look ahead with a positive mindset and go allout to win the elusive medal. What our players need most is to be optimistic, leaving their horrible performances in the past behind them and march ahead with positive mindset and play to their true potential.

The much-needed harmony and unity among the players will also do wonders for them in the upcoming Olympic Games. It’s heartening to note that our players look positive and motivated this time to prove their critics wrong.

In the words of Khwaja Junaid, the Pakistan team coach: “Any team that takes us for granted in London will do so at its own peril”. Indeed, our hockey team needs such determination and positive attitude to produce impressive results in this tough competition. Sohail Abbas, the world’s highest goal scorer, is finally a skipper. He will surely inspire the team and gel them together in a cohesive unit to surprise the world’s best teams.

Under his inspiring captaincy, our team will make allout efforts to reach the podium. Our national players are our assets.

I request the people and the media to support and encourage them. It will help them boost their confidence.

KHADIM HUSSAIN SUBHPOTOHHyderabad