COLOMBO: Khawaja Junaid will spearhead the team of coaches for the upcoming hockey world cup qualifiers, as a new set of management has been finalised.
Junaid will bring extensive international experience and strong tactical skills. Known for his aggressive style and disciplined approach, Junaid’s appointment is being viewed as a calculated move to rebuild confidence and consistency within the squad.
According to sources, Afzar Yaqoob will serve as assistant coach, while Sultan Ashraf has been entrusted with responsibilities as video analyst, a crucial role in modern hockey where data-driven insights often make the difference between victory and defeat.
Arif Haleem will accompany the squad to ensure peak physical fitness during the high-intensity tournament. Meanwhile, Farukh Habib Khan has been named head of the squad, tasked with overseeing team operations and coordination.
The management will be formally announced by PHF President Mohyuddin Wani, who is scheduled to meet the national players in Islamabad before their departure. The meeting is expected to serve as a morale-boosting interaction, with the president reaffirming his commitment to restoring Pakistan’s lost glory in the sport.
The national side will depart for Egypt on February 24 to acclimatise ahead of the crucial qualifiers. The Hockey World Cup Qualifiers will be staged in Ismailia (Egypt), from March 1 to March 7, a tournament that holds immense importance for Pakistan’s ambitions of returning to the elite circle of international hockey.
The team will be captained by Hamad Butt.
However, the squad will miss the services of promising forward Hanan Shahid, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, a setback for the Green Shirts ahead of the decisive competition.
