This story is from December 15, 2018

Hockey in India and Pakistan needs new heroes: Shahbaz Ahmed Sr

He is still razor-sharp -- if not with his sprints now, then with his answers. His famous body-dodge may not work against the challenges he faces these days, but Shahbaz Ahmed Sr's cognitive response to them is still as sprightly as his famous dash of the 1994 World Cup.
Hockey in India and Pakistan needs new heroes: Shahbaz Ahmed Sr
File photo of Shahbaz Ahmed Sr. (Getty Images)
Key Highlights
  • Shahbaz is the only player to have won two consecutive 'Player of the Tournament' awards at a World Cup
  • Mention the title his fans gave him, and an affable smile spreads across the face of 'Maradona of Hockey'
  • Shahbaz is quite clear about what Pakistan needs: first get back on course and then start working towards bringing the sunny days back
HOCKEY-GRAPHIC

BHUBANESWAR: He is still razor-sharp -- if not with his sprints now, then with his answers. His famous body-dodge may not work against the challenges he faces these days, but Shahbaz Ahmed Sr's cognitive response to them is still as sprightly as his famous dash of the 1994 World Cup.
Dressed almost in corporate style, it takes a while to figure out that the man standing in front of you is that willowy figure of the '90s that used to run through defences like a biker high on watching 'Need for Speed'.

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Mention the title his fans gave him, and an affable smile spreads across the face of 'Maradona of Hockey'. But it quickly disappears and the reaction changes to one of deep concern when the state of hockey in Pakistan and India becomes the topic of discussion.
Captain and the architect of Pakistan's 1994 World Cup-winning team, Shahbaz is the only player to have won two consecutive 'Player of the Tournament' awards at a World Cup (1990 and 1994). To see his team in a state that's just short of becoming a punching bag must be an unbearable pain for the stalwart.

But as the secretary general of Pakistan Hockey Federation, Shahbaz is quite clear about what Pakistan needs: first get back on course and then start working towards bringing the sunny days back.
However, he has no doubts that it won't be possible until hockey in India and Pakistan gets new heroes.
Excerpts:
Why do you think hockey in India and Pakistan is struggling to regain its lost glory?
If India and Pakistan start playing each other, it will give birth to new heroes. Earlier, both the countries used to have icons, like we had Hassan Sardar, Kalimullah Khan, Manzoor Hussain Jr, and we used to play each other. That's why our hockey was on top. There are no role models left for the youngsters and that's why they have no interest in hockey.
How will playing bilaterally help us improve at a global level?
Our geography is not like Europe, that we can visit each other often to play. We hardly get an opportunity one or two times in a year. I would say we should play bilateral series at both junior and senior levels. It will give the boys confidence and they will play well against the European teams as well.
Do you agree with Dhanraj Pillay saying that the skill level in India and Pakistan has gone down?
There is no doubt about that. He is absolutely right. Hockey has gone from the ground to blackboards and laptops. It has become more theoretical. I have not seen kids going to the ground themselves apart from during training. We used to prepare in advance, off the field as well, when to sleep, what to eat, not to watch TV a lot. Sorry to say but that passion is not there.
Is coaching to be blamed for that?
Coaches have started teaching safe hockey, not initiative hockey. Our game is of nerves and confidence. Until we start taking initiative and risk, I don't think we will improve.
Is there too much foreign influence on subcontinental hockey?
Until our people (former players) are involved, the level of sincerity will not be there. A foreign coach just completes his responsibility. Will there be the feeling of nationalism in him? (Imagine) you have a Dutch coach and you are playing Holland the next day. India and Pakistan are scared of the media and therefore appoint a foreign coach to save face. A foreign coach will always leave and move if he finds a better opportunity anywhere. Malaysia have spent crores of rupees on development and foreign coaches -- Terry Walsh, Paul Lissek, Roelant Oltmans. But their hockey is at a certain level only.
How will you address that issue?
Their should be educational-residential hockey academies in India and Pakistan, which should be run by qualified people. Coaches and trainers should be of the level that they can help the players achieve fitness and skill levels of world standard, and they are taught the skills that are required. I am watching these Pakistan players for the last three years. They are playing at a certain level and can't go above that. They don't have that ability. You have to work on your youth and develop them.
Do you think leagues like Hockey India League help?
Yes, we should create leagues like India has done and look after such properties. That will help our hockey improve rather quickly, and we should have the government support to improve things.
Will former cricket captain Imran Khan's election as the new Prime Minister help sports in Pakistan?
Imran Khan is a dynamic personality. I haven't yet had a meeting with him. He not only wants to improve hockey but the entire nation. We are with him.
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