Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2011: Pakistan Aiming For Glory In Ipoh - Shakeel Abbasi

They might have last won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup back in 2003 but apparently, optimism within the Pakistan Hockey squad is at a whole new dimension. It has been seven years since they last experienced success in Ipoh although Shakeel Abassi is convinced on a different level of performance this time around.

Abbasi was part of the team that won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in back in 2003 and his experience will definitely come handy for Pakistan, who have not finished on the podium at Ipoh ever since that wonderful campaign seven years ago. Nevertheless, Shakeel is adamant that the current crop of talent present in the Pakistan squad are more than enough to bring back their glory days in Ipoh.

“Seven years is a long time and hopefully we can end our barren run in this tournament this time around. I was a member of the squad that won the Azlan Shah Cup in 2003 and the competition gets keener each year. And just looking at the quality of teams this year will send shivers as the field is very strong.

“We have some talented youngsters and they will have to stamp their mark in international hockey and what better way then bringing success to Pakistan by winning the title here.”

Having been recently crowned as Asian Cup champions last November, Pakistan’s first hurdle in this year’s edition of the prestigious cup will be New Zealand and Shakeel admits that there are still some hangovers from the 4-2 defeat they suffered against the Kiwis in 2009, while also stressing that complacency could kill of their chances.

“New Zealand are a very improved side and we just cannot be complacent in the match lest we will be punished,” said Shakeel.

One of the most anticipated clash of these tournament would be the India-Pakistan encounter, which has brought drama and thrill into Hockey for generations after generations. However, Shakeel was quick to admit that there is nothing better than playing in these ‘Clasico’ of Hockey in India or Pakistan soil. Basically, he was relating it to the proposed series between these two nations and it is pretty obvious that Shakeel has some very specific reasons for supporting the suggestion.

“It is just a different feeling when we play each other on Indian or Pakistan soil. There are no words to describe the feeling,” said Shakeel who was a member of the Pakistani team that played the series in 2006, the last time matches were held in both countries with Pakistan winning five, losing three and drawing two.

“It helps the young players mature faster as there is pride to play for and the matches tend to bring out the best in you.”

Pakistan will play their first match against New Zealand May 5 followed by games against South Korea (May 6), Britain (May 8), Australia (May 9), India (May 11) and Malaysia (May 14).