Pakistan hockey coach says uncertain if team will participate in World Cup

LAHORE - Newly appointed coach of the Pakistan hockey team Tauqeer Ahmad Dar said that it is he is uncertain if the team will participate in the upcoming World Cup in India due to insufficient funds.

"At the moment, we are not sure if the team will be taking part in the World Cup,” Dar told APP.

The former Olympian was appointed as coach of the men’s team, a month after Dutchman Roelant Oltmans stepped down from the post.

“Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is going through the worst financial crunch. The current circumstances have diminished the hopes of the team’s participation in the mega event,” Dar said, adding, “I have been requesting the PHF to provide funds so that the team can participate in the World Cup.”

Criticizing those who have been pointing fingers at PHF, Dar said, “People love it when they get a job at the PHF but as soon as they are out, they start criticising it. Nobody says anything while they are working there and enjoying the perks and benefits of the job.”

Praising the hockey team manager Hasan Sardar, Dar said it was an honour to work alongside him.

Further, the former Olympian added that despite the circumstances, the team emerged as a joint-winner in the recently concluded Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, however, the government has yet to acknowledge their performance.

"Hockey has lost its pride and the players are no more seen as heroes,” he added.

Hockey World Cup 2018 will be held in Bhubaneswar, India from November 28 to December 16.