'Modern training under way to rebuild hockey team'

Peshawar: Pakistan hockey team Chief Selector Samiullah Khan has said modern training methods are being used to rebuild a strong and balanced national side, with the Asia Cup set as the team’s immediate focus.

Speaking to the media during a visit to China Window in Peshawar, Samiullah said open trials for the senior national team were being conducted in the city to identify players from across the country. He said the exercise was aimed at spotting talent on merit as part of wider efforts to strengthen the squad.

He also said steps were being taken to revive hockey at the grassroots level, indicating that the rebuilding process was not limited to the senior team alone. According to Samiullah, work is also under way to update the system and reassess structures at club level.

Members of the Pakistan Hockey Federation selection committee were also present on the occasion, including Olympians Nasir Ali, Naeem Akhtar, Ayaz Mahmood, Atif Bashir, Shakeel Abbasi and Kashif Jawad.

Asia Cup identified as key target

Samiullah said the team’s short-term objective was clear as Pakistan looks to improve its standing in international hockey. “Our immediate goal is to reach the Asia Cup final, while improving performance in the Hockey World Cup,” he said.

He expressed hope that sustained work and consistency could help Pakistan move back towards the level it once held in the sport. He also said that a strong showing in a major international tournament could play an important role in bringing international hockey back to Pakistan.

Financial and structural issues remain

At the same time, Samiullah acknowledged that the sport continues to face major difficulties. He pointed to the shortage of sponsorship and the financial problems confronting players, saying stronger support systems and employment opportunities were needed.

His remarks highlighted both the competitive and administrative challenges facing hockey in the country, as officials seek to rebuild the national setup through talent identification, updated training methods and structural review.

The comments come as Pakistan hockey authorities continue efforts to improve the team’s competitiveness and address long-standing issues affecting the game. Samiullah’s remarks in Peshawar underscored that the current approach combines player selection, modern preparation and grassroots revival as part of a broader attempt to restore the national team’s strength.

“Our immediate goal is to reach the Asia Cup final, while improving performance in the Hockey World Cup,” he said.