ISLAMABAD - Pakistan hockey team training camp for the preparations of Asian Games started here at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium under the command of head coach Shahnaz Shaikh on Monday.
Talking to The Nation, Shahnaz said: “A total of 34 players out of 37 reported on the first day. We have conducted beep test of the players at 6am to 8:30am under the watchful eyes of Dr Asad, Adnan and coaches, sprint test, sit up, bench and sprint tests were also conducted. But I am not satisfied with the players’ performance in the tests. The tests of senior players were quite satisfactory but junior players were lacking fitness. The matter of the fact is that 17 players were invited for the first time in such a high-profile camp so they will improve gradually.”
He added the three players who didn’t report were Abdul Haseem Khan, who was playing league in Germany, Khalid Bhatti didn’t made any contact and third was Sharjeel of Police, who was a bright youngster, had some minor spelling problem and he would join the camp later Monday night. “Two players are injured. Ali Shan has muscle problem while Rizwan Senior is running high fever.
Imran Butt has reported in the camp but was given leave because he has an appointment with the doctor and he will soon join the camp,” he stated.
“We will practice different drills and fitness for the first two days. On third day, we will go to gym and swimming and video analysis in the evening, then same routine for next two days and on sixth day, we will take complete rest to keep bodies cooler,” the ex-Olympian asserted.
“I have sent complete schedule of camps to the federation. If boys work according to my plan, stay fit, give their 100 percent, then it is my firm belief, Pakistan will be able to defend the Asian Games title,” Shahnaz concluded.