Naveed Alam, the Pakistani head coach of Bangladesh hockey team praised the efforts of the national team players during their ongoing training camp ahead of the Asia Cup. He looks forward to an impressive performance at the tournament next month.
With ten days training behind them the former Olympian trimmed his squad to 25 two days ago and spoke effusively of the players’ attitude during preparation. “They have responded tremendously and the attitude is praiseworthy, I see a concerted effort to put their best into the Asia Cup,” said Naveed.
“They understand how important the Asia Cup is for them and for the hockey of Bangladesh. In the 14 training sessions I had with them, as a coach I can say I am very enthusiastic,” added the Pakistani coach.
Naveed wants to implement a teamwork based game with the pressing approach. “You know hockey has changed over the years and I want to insert the new technique and tactics. It is very important for the future as I believe Bangladesh has the capability to move ahead,” he said.
However, the coach pointed out that his charges are not yet up to the mark in fitness compared to international standard. “That is still the concern for me. I am a fitness fanatic and during my job in China I worked hard to learn the skills of raising the standards. So far the players are working on it and I hope the efforts will take them to the required standards before the Asia Cup.
“I have worked on the endurance and will now start the workout on speed and agility that will require the top fitness, so naturally I have to make the players fit,” added Naveed.
The Pakistani coach is also looking beyond the Asia Cup. “I want to win a medal in the Youth Olympics and for that reason I have taken the youngsters like Rumman and Shoaib in the squad. I believe if Rumman concentrates upon his work and puts hard effort he will be the best player in the Youth Olympics. Shoaib is also a talented player with a good height and Shitul is emerging as a good drag-flicker, they are the future of Bangladesh hockey. I have high hopes and will try hard to see Bangladesh obtain glory,” said Naveed.