Former Olympian Rahim Khan says Pakistan are short of the preparation needed to challenge top teams at the FIH Hockey World Cup. He pointed to weak pre-tournament opposition, limited coaching time and defensive problems.
Former Olympian Rahim Khan has cast doubt on Pakistan’s chances of making a deep run at the FIH Hockey World Cup. He said the team went into the tournament without the preparation needed to trouble stronger sides.
Rahim, a member of Pakistan’s 1994 World Cup-winning side, said the build-up had fallen short in key areas. These included opposition quality and the time available to the coaching staff.
“I am not quite hopeful about any major success as the team has not prepared the way it should have,” he said.
Pakistan have returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2018. They are placed in a demanding Group D with India, England and Wales.
Their campaign begins against England on August 15. Pakistan will then face India on August 17 and Wales on August 19 in the Netherlands.
Concerns over preparation and defence
Rahim said Pakistan should have tested themselves against stronger opponents before the tournament. Instead, they played a series against South Korea.
“Instead of playing a series against a weaker opposition like South Korea, we needed a series against a tough side before going to the World Cup,” he said.
He also questioned whether the foreign coaching setup had enough time to prepare the side properly for different opponents.
“The foreign coaching staff also did not get enough time with the team. You need different strategies against different oppositions and that requires a lot of homework. But now, with the global event just four days away, we can only pray for the team,” he said.
Pakistan’s defensive record has added to those worries. Rahim said the side had been too open at the back during the recently concluded FIH Pro League.
England and India beat Pakistan twice each. The Green-shirts also finished without a win.
“We have seen recently in the FIH Pro League that the team conceded too many goals. The fragile backline will face added pressure when you play at the World Cup,” he said.
Wales seen as key chance
Despite his reservations, Rahim said the coaches could still help the team produce a better showing. He said they need to give players clear tactical answers in attack.
“If the coaches are able to advise the team on how to break the oppositions’ defence and manage attacks, it may produce something encouraging,” he said.
He identified Wales as Pakistan’s most realistic opportunity in the group stage. However, he described India and England as far more difficult assignments.
“I think we should beat Wales. But India are a tough side on paper and England are too mature to beat,” he said.
Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after finishing runners-up at the qualifying event in Egypt earlier this year.
Dutchman Bob Johan Veldhof coaches the side. Great Britain’s Christopher John Bowen and Adnan Zakir serve as assistants.
Defensive organisation, goalkeeping and penalty-corner execution remain among the main issues. Pakistan will need to address them as they try to keep their hopes of progression alive.
