Pakistan’s hockey would not improve under the present administration:Former Olympian Samiullah

KARACHI: Former hockey stalwart, Samiullah has lambasted the bunch of former Olympians, recently joined hands with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), and claimed that the standard of Pakistan’s hockey would not improve under the present administration. “Our former mates, especially Islahuddin, Shahnaz Sheikh, Ayaz Mahmood and Shahbaz should not have gone there. My impression is that they decided to join the PHF as a result of greed for various positions.” said Samiullah, while talking to this correspondent for News One TV.

Recently, Shahnaz Sheikh (head coach), Islahuddin Siddiqui (chief selector), Ayaz Mahmood (selector), Akhtar-ul-Islam (executive board member), Shahbaz Senior and others joined the PHF, ending their four-year long opposition against the set-up first headed by Qasim Zia and now by Akhtar Rasool.

“These are petty favours, if they were keen to improve the standard of Pakistan hockey then should not have accepted any position. Instead should present a comprehensive plan of action to the federation”, said the former captain Samiullah.

On a question, Samiullah expressed readiness to work even with the incumbent management of the PHF, however added that he would not hold any position in the Federation. “I have always been ready to help the national game. Whenever an advice is sought, I will provide them [PHF] with comprehensive strategy in writing”, said the ‘flying horse’

“No, I will not accept any post in the federation, that’s not my goal at all”, concluded Samiullah