Hockey team to play Champions Trophy with strong willpower: Usman Anwar

Lahore: Pakistan has sufficient talent in hockey and our team can beat any opponent if it played with positive frame of mind, this was stated by Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar while addressing the dinner reception ceremony organized in honour of Champions Trophy-bound national hockey team here at National Hockey Stadium on Monday night.

The reception was arranged by Pakistan Hockey Federation and the ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Akhtar Rasool, Secretary General Rana Mujahid, Olympian Qasim Zia, Head Coach national hockey team Shahnaz Sheikh and other Olympians.

DG SBP Usman Anwar, who was the chief guest on this occasion, in his address motivated the national hockey team and highlighted the importance of willpower for success in any game. “Confidence and strong willpower are as important as the form, fitness and preparation are for success in any sporting event. It’s expected that Pakistan hockey team will demonstrate strong fervor in the upcoming Champions Trophy and will carve out encouraging results in the mega event,” he stressed.

Usman said that SBP and Punjab govt have always extended every kind of assistance for the growth of sports particularly hockey in the country. “We laid international standard turf at the National Hockey Stadium so that our players can prepare themselves properly for tough challenges in international hockey events,” he added.

PHF chief Akhtar Rasool and Rana Mujahid appreciated the role of DG SBP for the growth and revival of hockey in the country. They also thanked DG SBP for providing financial and every type of help to Pakistan Hockey Federation.

Akhtar Rasool, in his address, said he would prefer to serve the game of hockey instead of accepting a coveted political position. He expressed his hope that national hockey team will not repeat the mistakes in Champions Trophy they committed in the past events.

The players of national team also expressed their determination to face strong opponents with complete confidence and enthusiasm.