Pakistan's ex-Hockey Captain Wasim reverses retirement Decision
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan former hockey captain and left half, Wasim Ahmad on Wednesday while regretting his decision of retirement from the game two years ago announced that he is available for selection.

“The decision which I made two years ago was not wise and based on emotions and still I regret it as I did not consult Pakistan Hockey Federation on that important issue of my career”, said the tiny mid field player at a news conference here on Wednesday at National hockey stadium.

Wasim’s decision comes at a time as a day earlier former vice captain and best penalty corner hitter, Sohail Abbas also came out of the retirement.

Both the players announced their retirement from the game during the Champions Trophy which Pakistan hosted at Lahore in 2004 and their decision surprised everyone including the PHF which was not taken into confidence by both of them for reaching a decision to call it a day.

Wasim a veteran of 285 international matches said his and Sohail’s untimely decision of retirement caused a lot of damage to Pakistan hockey as in the absence of two experienced players who were also the captain and the vice captain team could not perform well in the international tournaments.

“I believe it was a decision made in haste and we should have continued playing and instead of coming under emotions to retire from the game we should have sought guidance from PHF”, he said.

Answering a question, he said, he was an active player in the past two years by taking part in the professional hockey league in which he played altogether 30 matches.

“I am keeping a good shape because of involvement in high class league hockey competitions and I believe I can serve the game for another two years “,he said.

Wasim said he is available for selection and if needed he would be appearing in the trials to prove his fitness and performance.

“Now it all depends on the PHF and the selection committee to consider me as I have come out of retirement to lift the performance of the team “, he observed.

The left half said he and Sohail made collective decision to retire and they have also decided to withdraw their retirement at the same time.

“There is no guarantee that with our comeback the team will start winning but I think we can contribute in lifting the morale and performance of the team”, he maintained.

When asked they did not consider the advise of PHF and former olympians and lovers of the game to come out of the retirement and why there was a sudden change at hearts, he said he feels sorry for making an abrupt decision.

He rejected a questioner that he preferred to play professional league because of better monetary gains and set aside a call from national duty.

“Playing in professional league helped me in improving my skills and I am confident if back to the team I can serve the game with a better vision and experience “, he said.