By our correspondent
LAHORE: The Pakistan hockey team has left Islamabad Airport for Salalah, Oman, where they will feature in the five-a-side World Cup Qualifier. Accompanying them are ten players from the Pakistan five-a-side hockey team, led by head coach Olympian Wasim Feroze and manager Major Muhammad Shahnawaz Khan. Among those present at the send-off were secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation Haider Hussain, Rana Muhammad Shafiq from the National Hockey Selection Committee, Muhammad Asif, Senior Vice President of the Islamabad Hockey Association, Mirza Naveed Baig, Salim Raza, and others. Notable officials were also in attendance.
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Rana Abdul Waheed stated that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has carefully chosen the best players, all of whom are resolute to secure victory.
Olympian Waseem Feroze emphasized that this kind of hockey demands pace and brisk movement on the part of the players.
He praised the excellent form of the Pakistan team members and expressed his belief that they will perform effectively, ultimately achieving their target of qualifying for the five-a-side world cup.
The Pakistan five side hockey team roster comprises of Goalkeepers: Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Ali Raza, Defender: Muhammad Abdullah, Midfields: Ehtsham Aslam, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqoob, Strikers: Arshad Liaquat, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf, Abdul Rehman, and Abdul Wahab.
The upcoming five-sided Asia Cup will feature 11 participating teams, including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and the host country Oman. Pakistan is scheduled to play their inaugural match against Japan on August 29 at 8 pm Pakistani time.
