Pakistan’s hockey skipper, Ammad Butt, is optimistic about the national team’s chances of securing spots in the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, provided they receive consistent support. Following an impressive display at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, where they reached the final but narrowly lost to Japan in a penalty shootout, Butt sees a promising trajectory for Pakistan hockey.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent struggles, especially failing to qualify for the Olympics for the third consecutive time and missing out on the World Cup last year, Butt emphasized the significance of sustained backing for the team’s resurgence. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where Pakistan reached the final after 13 years, served as a rejuvenating moment for hockey enthusiasts.
“Investing in merit-based team selections and ensuring continuous support have yielded positive outcomes,” Butt remarked during an interview with Geo News. He stressed the importance of extending the contract of Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans, highlighting the invaluable expertise foreign coaches bring to the table.
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“Oltmans, despite being relatively new, deserves a longer tenure to steer the team towards regaining its former glory,” Butt asserted, advocating for a strategic vision spanning five to six years. Additionally, he underscored the significance of providing players with stable employment to alleviate financial burdens, a move crucial for enhancing competitiveness on the global stage.
Pakistan’s recent performance at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is poised to inject confidence into the team ahead of their participation in the FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland. Scheduled from May 31 to June 9, the Nations Cup holds significance as the winning team earns a coveted spot in the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2024-25 season.
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