Heuvel returns to Pak to coach hockey team till 2012 Olympics after contract revision

LAHORE - Pakistan hockey coach Michel van den Heuvel has finally returned to the country to resume his duties, and also extended his commitment to the national team till the 2012 London Olympics, after his contract was revised.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) took a detailed review of Heuvel’s commitment to the squad, who returns as head coach with added remuneration as well as the authority of team selection till the 2012 Olympics.

Earlier, Heuvel, a Dutch national, had expressed his concerns regarding the current security situation in Pakistan, leaving the PHF in doubt whether he would return to the country to resume the coaching role.

However, Heuvel, currently in Lahore, discussed his reservations with PHF General Secretary Asif Bajwa in a meeting and cleared his outstanding issues.

Bajwa also made him the in-charge of a coaching clinic under the PHF Development programme, which aims at grooming coaches on modern scientific lines at the Faisalabad Hockey Stadium from February 5 to 10.

“We had a five-month contract with him before,” The Express Tribune quoted Bajwa, as saying. “But after that he was given an opportunity to review the contract and this time the PHF have roped him in him till the 2012 London Olympics.”

“Apart from coaching the national team, Heuvel is supposed to work with us in setting up the reforms in our domestic structure,” he added.

Bajwa also confirmed that Heuvel will meet PHF President Qasim Zia today, and will be going back to Holland on February 14. (ANI)