Pak hockey team should “play with attacking strategy” to win gold at Guangzhou: Islah

KARACHI - Former Pakistan captain Islahuddin has expressed hope that Pakistan can still win the hockey gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games in Guangzhou if they “play with an attacking strategy”.

“All the teams featuring in the Games have fielded their second string sides, as compared to Pakistan who are playing with their full strength, which makes us the main title contenders,” The News quoted Islahuddin, as saying.

Pakistan are virtually in the semifinals, as they only need to defeat minnows Bangladesh for a place in the last-four.

The legendary captain advised the Greenshirts to play their natural attacking game, saying the Dutch coach Michel Van Den Heuvel was trying to mould Pakistan into a defensive unit, which was having a negative impact on the team.

“Pakistani players are trained to play with an attacking strategy and asking them to change their natural game is resulting in defeats,” Islah said.

He also suggested that the Pakistani players lacked team spirit, while referring to their loss against India.

“Pakistan team focused on individual game against India, which was the main reason behind their loss. They need to play united as a team.” said Islah. (ANI)