4 Games, 40 Goals: National Hockey team on the rise at the Asian Games
The national hockey team has turned heads with clinical performances at the ongoing Asian Games.
(WebDesk) – Long gone are the days when Pakistan was known around the world for its hockey glory. It almost seems like an eternity since the last time the national hockey team won the World Cup in the year 1994.
It is fair to say that there are a number of reasons behind the decline of the sport, the main being corruption, ignorance showed by the governing board, lack of intent showed by the coaches and of course the rise and rise of cricket.
Whilst the country is taking small steps towards reliving the golden days once more, a lot is still to be done. Having said that, the players are trying their best to regain the country’s trust and praises by putting up star-studded performances at the ongoing Asian Games.
Surprisingly, Pakistan has scored a mammoth 40 goals in just 4 games played so far.
Also Read: Asian Games: Pakistan men‘s hockey defeat Kazakhstan by 16-0
Just yesterday, the national team recorded their 4th consecutive victory in the tournament when they ousted the Malaysians 4-1 in Jakarta.
Stubborn Defence
It is said that in order to win big, the defence of a team should be more dependable and strong compared to the offence because goals can definitely win you matches but only clean sheets can win you tournaments.
Contrary to Pakistan’s recent performances, the boys in green have showed great resilience especially with their defence. In the four games, the rather stubborn Pakistani defence has not given their goalie a reason to flex his muscles with just one goal being conceded so far. The extreme discipline displayed at the back speaks volumes of how serious Pakistan is concerning the tournament.
Clinical Up Front
Of course, the perfect blend for any team is a disciplined defence and a deadly attack force up front. It seems as though the national team has learned valuable lessons from their grim past and its about time they’re showing off their true colors.
Obviously, It’s alright to win but winning with margins of more than 10 goals is something that speaks volumes of how clinical Pakistan has been up front.
Also Read: Asian Games: Pakistan hockey team trounce Thailand by 10-0
So far at the Asian Games, Pakistan has recorded consecutive whopping victories. First they completed outplayed Thailand 10-0, then they dominated against Oman as well emerging victors by 10 goals again.
Also Read: Asian Games: Pakistan men‘s Hockey beat Oman by 10-0
In the third match, Pakistan thrashed Kazakhstan 16-0. In the most recent encounter, the boys outplayed Malaysia 4-1 to book a place in the Semi Finals of the competition.
Bigger Tests Ahead
Yes, the results are encouraging. Yes, the performances have been brilliant but the tests ahead only get tougher. Whilst it is true that the hockey team has shone brightly, it is also true that all these results have come up against what we could consider as ‘relatively weaker’ teams.
Pakistan would have to put up more of the same or perhaps play better if the team hopes to bag the coveted gold medal and return home as the Asian Games’ champions.
All Pictures have been taken from FIH
By: Raacikh Asghar
