AFZAL JAVED
ISLAMABAD: Ammad Sheekil butt will lead the 18-member Pakistan hockey squad to take part in the upcoming Olympic Qualifier event announced by Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday.
Following the recommendations of the National Hockey Selection Committee, operating under the supervision of Olympian Kaleemullah Khan, President PHF Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti’s final approval has paved the way for the unveiling of the 18-member Pakistan hockey team. The committee, comprising Olympians Naseer Ali, Rahim Khan, and Leaque Lashari International, meticulously evaluated the players’ performances during the conclusive trials.
The Olympic Qualifier event, scheduled to take place from January 15 to 21 in Muscat, Oman, will witness the participation of key players, including goalkeepers Abdullah Ishtiaq, Waqar, Arbaz Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Sufiyan Khan, Imad Shakeel Butt (Captain), and Abu Bakr Mahmood (Vice Captain). The team also includes Murtaza Yaqoob, Abdul Mannan, Aqeel Ahmed, Moeen Shakil, Salman Razaq, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Ghazanfar Ali, Abdul Rahman Jr. , Zikriya Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf, and Arshad Liaquat.
The management team comprises Head Coach Shahnaz Sheikh, Coach Shakil Abbasi, Assistant Coach Olympian Dilawar Hussain, Goalkeeper Coach Amjad Ali, Physiotherapist Waqas Mahmood, and Physical Trainer Muhammad Imran Khan.
With this formidable lineup, Pakistan aims to secure its spot in the Olympics Qualifier event, showcasing the skills and determination of the selected players under the experienced guidance of the coaching and management staff. The nation awaits an exciting and competitive performance from the team as they embark on this crucial journey towards Olympic qualification.
