Hockey legend Samiullah hails Pak’s wildcard entry into 2011 Champions Trophy

KARACHI - Former Pakistani hockey player Samiullah Khan has lauded the International Hockey Federation’s decision to award a wildcard entry to Pakistan in the 2011 Champions Trophy.

“It is very good to see inclusion of Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. International Hockey Federation took the right decision by increasing the number of teams in the Trophy fold because currently you need the sides that are struggling a bit to competed regularly against the better side,” the Dawn quoted Khan, as saying.

“The decision will give Pakistan a chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses and will also give the management an opportunity to build long-term strategies around it,” he added.

The 61-year-old further said that the ‘Green Shirts’ would have to lift their game and prepare themselves intensively for the event.

“The competition will be very tough in the Champions Trophy. The players must go that extra mile for the event. They have to work hard, gain fitness and work on their stamina if they want to make any impact in the prestigious event,” Khan said. (ANI)