The Pakistani hockey team on Friday (February 13) got its new coach, Shahid Ali Khan. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) made the appointment of Olympian Shahid Ali Khan with a view to prepare a strong team for the Asia Cup in May in Dubai. The decision of inducting Khan was taken at executive board meeting in Lahore.

 

While interacting with the media, a senior PHF official informed that Shahid Ali was able to get the job of mentoring the national hockey team when another Olympian Ayaz Mahmood failed to join his duty. Media reports say that Ayaz Mahmood has not been released by his employers, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). As result of which, Mahmood could not continue his service as the coach of the hockey team. PHF had appointed Mahmood in October last year.

 

The 44-year-old former goal keeper, Shahid Ali played an important role in helping Pakistan to register victories in the 1982 World Cup in Mumbai and the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Shahid Ali Khan has won two Asian Games and three Asia Cup gold medals. Commenting on his new role, the former hockey player said that he will give his cent percent to help Pakistan to regain its lost glory in hockey.

 

Shahid pledged that he will try out everything to raise a good hockey team which will be able to win the Asia Cup. The winning of Asia Cup is very crucial as it will help Pakistan to earn a direct entry in the 2010 World Cup in India.