2 weeks ago

Pakistan Hockey's Decline Blamed on Weak Domestic Structure, Says Akbar

Pakistan Hockey's Decline Blamed on Weak Domestic Structure, Says Akbar
Why Pakistan Hockey Lags Behind India's Resurgence · rediff.com

Hockey is a fast sport played with sticks and a small ball.

Long ago, Pakistan was one of the best hockey teams in the world and won many championships.

Now, Pakistan is not winning as much, and a former player named Salman Akbar explains why.

He says Pakistan never built a strong system to train players at home.

India also had a sad moment when it did not make it to the 2008 Olympics.

After that, India worked very hard to build a better hockey league and training program.

Now India wins lots of medals, including bronze at the Olympics.

India and Pakistan are big rivals, and Pakistan has not beaten India since 2016.

Akbar hopes the next match between them will be exciting and fair.

He also thinks India's young goalkeepers learned a lot from the great player PR Sreejesh.

Key facts

Analysis by
Salman Akbar, former Pakistan hockey captain
Pakistan's World Cup titles
4
India's Olympic results
Bronze at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024
India's 2023 Asian Games
Gold medal
Pakistan's last win vs India
2016
Akbar's international caps
230
Akbar's current role
Goalkeeping coach with Japan since 2018
Trigger for India's revival
Failure to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Quotes

Salman Akbar

Former Pakistan national team goalkeeper and captain

“There are many reasons, but the biggest reason is that Pakistan never tried to strengthen its domestic hockey structure. There's no platform for the players at home.”
rediff.com
“Pakistan hasn't won against India since 2016, and this is a golden opportunity. I wish both teams the best of luck and hope to see good hockey, and warm handshakes.”
rediff.com

Sources

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