KUANTAN Pakistan, once the powerhouse of world hockey, face a daunting task as they take on the super fit China in the inaugural match of the Asia Cup which explodes into action at a new venue of Wisma Belia on Saturday.
Pakistan will be relying heavily on its veteran quartet of custodian Salman Akbar, fullback Sohail Abbas, halfback Waseem Ahmed and forward Rehan Butt who are staging a comeback in the team after enjoying a rich experience in the Dutch league.
With the return of the vastly-experienced players and in the presence of talented forwards Tariq Aziz, Akhtar, Waqas Sharif and Waqas Akbar, Pakistan look the most formidable side to have entered the eight-nation tournament.
Pakistan, having struggled in the recent past, as they finished a disappointing eighth in the Beijing Olympics last August, needs to get into their grooves to regain lost glory in the field of hockey.
Pakistan, which finished a poor fourth in the five-nation contest in Ipoh last month, must come up with improved performance here to build momentum for the major events ahead.
The return of the seasoned campaigners boosts their chances and they are expected to rise to the occasion for the revival of national sport in the country.
Pakistan has been drawn in the tough Pool 'B' with archrivals and defending champions India, China and Bangladesh while the Pool 'A' comprises South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia.
Pakistan must win at least a couple of league matches in a bid to advance into the semi-finals that indeed is their first target and then they would be just two more wins away from the title.
The eight-time Olympic champions India, who were not even able to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games staged in Beijing, would also be aspiring to make amends by retaining the Asia Cup they won at home a couple of years ago.
The Indians are on a comeback trail after having finished runners-up in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup and then the title win in the Azlan Shah after a lapse of 13 years. Their officials firmly believe that winning gold in the Asia Cup will complete the first phase of revival plans for Indian hockey.
Pakistans chief coach Shahid Ali Khan said his team was ready for the task ahead and all the players are fully fit and looking forward to their match against China.
'We had too good warm-up wins under our belt which is a good start and the boys are eager to continue their winning ways,' he commented.
The Pakistan team spent an hour-long relaxing time in the pool on Friday during the heavy rains which has dramatically changed the sweltering weather here to pleasant. —APP
