KARACHI Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)s Secretary Asif Bajwa said on Thursday that the Pakistan junior team has yet to prove themselves against Belgium and Australia in Youth Olympic Games but their comprehensive triumphs against Ghana and Chile show that they have prepared well for the prestigious Games.
“The juniors are doing a good job and they have performed better than expected in their first two matches. But it is yet to be seen how they play against European and Australian junior champions Belgium and Australia in their upcoming matches,” Asif Bajwa told PPI.
Pakistan junior team, in their first match thrashed African champions 5-3 and trampled South American champions Chile by 15-1 score. They will face hosts Singapore on Friday.
The former national player said that Pakistan junior team has qualified for the event after reaching the top place on the podium in the Asian circuit.
“So it shows that our boys are talented and they have been playing well,” he added.
He further said that the Pakistani juniors are top contenders for gold in the event.
“I think the boys could clinch the title in the event and could overpower Belgium and Australia. They are good teams but Pakistan junior is also a strong side, so it could be expected from them to win gold in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games.”
He said that PHF strategy and their approach is proving correct in the ongoing Youth Olympic Games and if the team pulls worthwhile achievement, it would certainly prove that hockey is moving in the right direction in the country.
“Our total concentration is on our youth and we have been organizing youth events often. Our academies are also polishing our talented youth. It is the youngsters who would be able to bring laurels for the country in the future,” Asif said. - PPI
