Oltmans Was Doing Well, Don't Expect Much from Pakistan at World Cup, Says Waseem Ahmed
Former captain Waseem Ahmed is not hoping much
from Pakistan side at the upcoming hockey World Cup, saying the
premature exit of coach Roelant Oltmans will hurt the team badly.
Former captain Waseem Ahmed is not hoping much from Pakistan side at the
upcoming hockey World Cup, saying the premature exit of coach Roelant
Oltmans will hurt the team badly.
Oltmans, who was also India coach, left the Pakistan shores barely nine
month after joining as their head coach, citing lack of suitable
circumstances. “I personally do not expect a lot from Pakistan in this
World Cup because they have a difficult pool. They have to beat Malaysia
and finish third in pool to play cross over match with other pool.
After the sudden resignation of Oltmans it will be more difficult for
them,” Waseem said.
Under Oltmans, Pakistan could not do much at CWG, Asian Games and the
Champions Trophy but Waseem felt that the team was showing progress.
“The timing of his resignation is really bad. He was doing a good job
and Pakistan team was improving gradually but he resigned just before
Asian Champion trophy and WC. It will definitely hurt Pakistan team,”
Waseem said.
“People in India love to watch Pakistani players and as far as my
experience is concerned I always enjoyed playing in India where people
give so much respect and love that I never felt that I am away from my
country. India are surely one of the best places to play hockey,” said
the former captain. Waseem was all praise for the Indian team.
“Indian team has improved a lot and they are improving overall which
includes Hockey structure there. After Harendra paji took over they are
doing great. At the Asian Games they were very unlucky to concede a goal
in last minute against Malaysia and were forced to play shootout. Luck
was not on their side,” he said.
Waseem is in Australia to play Victoria State Premier league for Saint
Kilda club. He is also assistant coach of the club and is also involved
with the Victorian Academy. He said apart from playing FIH tournaments,
India and Pakistan should also resume bilateral series.
“It will also revive the interest in the sport with more sponsors and TV
coverage. Pakistan hockey need that very badly,” he said.
