Experienced Pakistan hockey goalkeeper Salman Akbar recalled for Asia Cup

It’s a bit of an irony that the Indian hockey team is banking heavily on inexperienced but talented youngsters, while the Pakistan team is counting on the ‘experience’ factor in preparation for the upcoming 9th Asia Cup tourney beginning in Ipoh from August 24.

The Indian hockey selectors reposed their faith in the youngsters, brushing aside any thoughts of inducting seasoned campaigners like Shivendra Singh and Tushar Khandker given the fact that four strikers – Danish Mujtaba, SV Sunil, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Akashdeep Singh are missing this event on account of injuries.

Pakistan, on the other hand, called up vastly experienced goalkeeper Salman Akbar at its Asia Cup camp amid criticism from various quarters. The 31-year-old proved his form and fitness and was subsequently named in the 18-member national team for the Ipoh event.

The Asia Cup is of vital importance since the winner earns a berth for the 2014 World Cup.

Salman has been included in the Pakistan along with second-choice goalkeeper Imran Butt.

It may be worth mentioning here that Salman was adjudged the best goalkeeper at the 2010 Asian Games, which Pakistan won after almost 20 years in China.

The ace goalie was not picked for the 2012 FIH 34th Champions Trophy held in Melbourne, where the Greenshits bagged a bronze medal.

Salman was named in the national side for the Test series against Australia and the tri-nation nine-a-side tournament — the two events held in Australia — prior to the start of the Champions Trophy, but he refused to play citing club commitments (he preferred to play in the Dutch League).

Salman was not part of the London Olympics where both Imran Shah and Imran Butt turned it disappointing performances.