Safety of our players should be the first priority, Shahbaz Senior
Lahore: Former national hockey team captain Shahbaz Ahmed Senior opposed sending the team to India for the Asia Cup.
Former PHF Secretary and hockey Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed, while speaking on Express News’ Sports World program, said that Pakistan should demand that the event be held at a neutral venue.
He said that sports definitely send a message of peace, but the atmosphere is very different at the moment. Ever since Pakistan defeated them in the war imposed by India, the entire India has become hostile to Pakistan with the Indian Prime Minister. Who will guarantee the safety of the players in such circumstances?
Shahbaz Ahmed said that the safety of our players should be the first priority. At this time, we should also talk to China and other countries. India has to be made to realize that hockey is not going on alone. Without Pakistan, world hockey is incomplete. It would be better if Pakistan, instead of going to India, demands that this Asia Cup be held at a neutral venue.
He said that by talking to other countries including China, Malaysia, they can be convinced that India is an unsafe country, there should not be an event there. The international hockey organization should also be requested to host events in Pakistan, if matches are held in the country, the passion for hockey will increase among the youth, the pool of players will increase.
Shahbaz Ahmed said that the current players are certainly talented but too many expectations cannot be placed on them. The government must fully support the national game so that better arrangements can be made for the training of the players, so that they are able to give good performances in future events.
