Daily Times

Sub-continental dominance of world of hockey is now merely confined to history books. The Asian style of play which was hallmark of sub-continental hockey is deemed superfluous by quite a few critics and fans. But the question is that should we pull the plug on Asian style of play? The answer is NO. Our supremacy was fed and perpetuated by the Asian style itself. Next immediate question is then why this has increasingly started looking redundant and obsolete – no longer furnishes the basis for global prestige? The game of hockey has become far more physically demanding than it was in 70s or 80s. It takes stamina and endurance in abundance to survive in the nagging ambience of global hockey. Asian superiority was dealt a big blow with the introduction of astro-turf which surprisingly was meant for soccer field.

No-offside rule yet another monstrous step to bestow more privilege upon European hockey. But instead of voicing dismay and grieving over the issue we need to move on. Asian style of play can still retrieve us our foregone glory but it requires to be tweaked through injection of start-of-the-art innovations. Asian style is all about go-getting with five forwards, 1-2 passes, individualistic deftness and open play much to the pleasance of spectators.

Pakistan hockey took a heavy pounding in 2010 World Cup while in 2014 it sunk to its lowest by failing to qualify for the most illustrious event in the world hockey calendar. Pakistanis suffered further mortification when the team didn’t succeed to make it to the Rio Olympics in 2016. There was a lot of hue and cry in the national media. By the protest couldn’t budge the concerned authorities and things remain more or less the same at Pakistan Hockey Federation. Now it is high time for resurrection. Pakistan hockey needs to take refuge under the harborage of reinvigorated and improvised local style of hockey. Perhaps we need to pick a page out of Australian book as well – couple sub-continental exuberance with European mind-play. Asian style now needs to be founded on scientific lines. One important aspect of our traditional style is individual skill and dexterous ball control but now that art is on the verge of extinction. But we can bring it back from brink to brilliance.

A giant step towards the regaining lost territory would restoration of Indo-Pak bilateral hockey series which suffered suspension in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Pakistan is oozing with raw talent which needs to honed and harnessed. On the other hand Indian hockey is going through purple patch as managed to launch its own international hockey league. Pakistan hockey would immensely benefit from the renewal of the sporting ties between the warring neighbours. India will also cash on it big time.

It is inconceivable that sports and sportsmen will make it to the priority list of any Pakistan government. Our sports federations have never been fittingly funded, consequently quite a few sportsmen opt to bid adieu to their homeland and get settled in some European country. The PHF is embroiled in whole host controversies. No concerted effort is made by our government to invite Indian team for the series. This bilateral series with India will rejuvenate the interest for the sport amongst the fans hence offering a huge opportunity to find potential talent for the future. Politics should not be mixed up with sports.