Ex-Olympians Urge PHF to Ensure Pakistan’s Participation in Azlan Shah Cup
LAHORE: Former hockey legends Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior and Tauqir Dar have urged the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to take swift action to secure the national team’s spot in the upcoming Azlan Shah Cup, scheduled to commence on November 22 in Ipoh, Malaysia.
In a conversation with Dawn, Manzoor-ul-Hasan voiced uncertainty over whether the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) had refrained from inviting Pakistan or if the PHF had declined an invitation. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the tournament offers a prime opportunity for Pakistan to field a squad, especially one featuring young players, in preparation for the World Junior Cup in India later this year.
Tauqir Dar expressed disappointment over Pakistan’s likely absence, stating that it would be a setback not only for Pakistan hockey but also for the tournament itself.
“Pakistan has historically been a key contender in the Azlan Shah Cup and even reached the final last year before losing to Japan,” Tauqir pointed out. “With India participating, a Pakistan-India match would draw global attention and significantly boost the sport’s appeal.”
The tournament will feature top-ranked teams such as Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Malaysia, with Canada, ranked 21st globally, completing the roster.
Tauqir highlighted the immense benefits Pakistan’s team could gain by competing against top-tier teams.
“This would be an invaluable learning experience for our players,” he said. “Personally, I would love to see a Pakistan-India faceoff at the Azlan Shah Cup. I am surprised that Malaysia has not extended an invitation, especially given the strong ties between the two nations’ hockey federations.”
Speculation has surfaced suggesting that Malaysia may have withheld the invitation due to outstanding financial obligations from the PHF. However, the PHF secretary general dismissed these allegations during a press conference on Wednesday.
Both Manzoor and Tauqir encouraged the PHF to seek intervention from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation to resolve the matter and ensure Pakistan’s participation.
“We already missed the FIH Pro League, which would have provided our players with invaluable experience against elite teams. The Azlan Shah Cup is another golden chance that must not be squandered,” Tauqir stated.
Manzoor added that the tournament would be an ideal platform to assess both senior and junior players as they prepare for critical events like the World Senior Qualifiers, the Junior Cup, and the Asia Cup.
“The PHF must explore every possible avenue to guarantee Pakistan’s participation, particularly given the cordial relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia in hockey,” he concluded.
The PHF secretary general also mentioned during his press briefing that he had been in communication with FIH President Tayyab Ikram, who hails from Pakistan, to assist in securing the country’s invitation to the prestigious tournament.
FAQs
- Why is Pakistan’s participation in the Azlan Shah Cup uncertain?
- There is confusion regarding whether Pakistan was not invited by Malaysia or if the PHF failed to accept an invitation. Financial issues may also be a factor.
- Why is the Azlan Shah Cup important for Pakistan?
- The tournament provides an opportunity for Pakistani players to gain international exposure and prepare for major upcoming events, including the World Junior Cup.
- Did Malaysia withhold the invitation due to unpaid dues by PHF?
- There are unverified claims regarding this, but the PHF secretary general has dismissed them as false.
- What impact would Pakistan’s absence have on the tournament?
- Pakistan has traditionally been a major contender in the Azlan Shah Cup. Their absence would be a setback for both the team’s development and the tournament’s appeal.
- What steps are being taken to secure Pakistan’s participation?
- The PHF is reaching out to international hockey bodies, including the FIH and Asian Hockey Federation, to resolve the issue and secure an invitation.
