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MELBOURNE: Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran and leading striker Shakil Abbasi termed the bronze medal at the 34th Champions Trophy Hockey the best achievements of their careers. It was the first world level medal for Abbasi, who started his career in 2006, writes Abdul Mohi Shah.
Though he was also part of the team that won silver in 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and gold in Asian Games, it is the first medal for the player in an event meant for all the best teams of the world.
“It is really the pinnacle of my career. In Commonwealth Games, there are no Germany and Holland. Champions Trophy is an event where the best of the world compete.” He asked his and Pakistan team critics to avoid indulging in unnecessary criticism.
“They have no right now to criticise us. We have proved that we can win medals in the best of tournaments. Now all those who are seeking their personal interests should divert their efforts in helping the team get even stronger.
“I am really happy that I have contributed to Pakistan’s cause.
The medal that is my first in the Champions Trophy has come when our hockey needed it most. I am hopeful that this victory will go a long way in bringing out the best from the team in other international events.”
Imran who led the team to an international medal for the first time was also ecstatic. “This is my first win. Though there would have been no better result than to win gold here, even the bronze has made me happy. We have beaten India and won bronze after eight years. That is very good for Pakistan hockey.” The captain hoped that the team would go on to win the Asian Champions Trophy in Doha. “It is impossible to jump from No 9 to
No 1. Starting the tournament as outsiders we have made it to the semis and then have succeeded in winning bronze. That is what we could do at the moment. Hopefully with time we will be in a position to beat the best in the world and the day is not far away.”
Though he was also part of the team that won silver in 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and gold in Asian Games, it is the first medal for the player in an event meant for all the best teams of the world.
“It is really the pinnacle of my career. In Commonwealth Games, there are no Germany and Holland. Champions Trophy is an event where the best of the world compete.” He asked his and Pakistan team critics to avoid indulging in unnecessary criticism.
“They have no right now to criticise us. We have proved that we can win medals in the best of tournaments. Now all those who are seeking their personal interests should divert their efforts in helping the team get even stronger.
“I am really happy that I have contributed to Pakistan’s cause.
The medal that is my first in the Champions Trophy has come when our hockey needed it most. I am hopeful that this victory will go a long way in bringing out the best from the team in other international events.”
Imran who led the team to an international medal for the first time was also ecstatic. “This is my first win. Though there would have been no better result than to win gold here, even the bronze has made me happy. We have beaten India and won bronze after eight years. That is very good for Pakistan hockey.” The captain hoped that the team would go on to win the Asian Champions Trophy in Doha. “It is impossible to jump from No 9 to
No 1. Starting the tournament as outsiders we have made it to the semis and then have succeeded in winning bronze. That is what we could do at the moment. Hopefully with time we will be in a position to beat the best in the world and the day is not far away.”
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