Azlan Shah Cup probables getting coaching, fitness tips online
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has set up a group on a social media networking site engaging 40 national training camp probables along with the coaching staff, and now it is planning to arrange online courses for coaches and umpires in order to utilise the period of lockdown.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has set up a group on a social media networking site engaging 40 national training camp probables along with the coaching staff, and now it is planning to arrange online courses for coaches and umpires in order to utilise the period of lockdown due to coronavirus in productive activities, PHF secretary Asif Bajwa said.
Talking to Dawn, Bajwa said head coach Khawaja Junaid had been training the 40 probables, who were summoned for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup — scheduled to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia in April but was postponed due to the fast-spreading epidemic — had not been released from the camp as they were engaged with their coaching staff through a WhatsApp group.
The six-nation invitational event will now be staged in September-October this year.
“Junaid and other training staff are giving the probables tips about coaching and fitness training which the players exhibit at their homes, and are sending the videos of the same [to the coaching staff],” Bajwa said.
While acknowledging that the online interaction was not an ideal alternative of conventional training, Bajwa stressed these activities at least keep the probables busy and physically fit.
To a question, Bajwa said the PHF was also planning to start online courses for coaches and umpires from across Pakistan in order to hone their skills and raise professional standards.
“Presently, coaches and umpires are free and therefore it will be better for them to remain engaged in some activities at home’ soon they would get a programme in this regard,” Bajwa remarked.
He said the PHF despite having limited financial resources was in touch with all the stakeholders at this crunch time, which nobody had experienced in life.
Bajwa hoped that the tough time would pass by the grace of Allah and the PHF would again be engaged to put the game of hockey back on the track.
He said the PHF offices were closed on the government advice and they would be reopened as per the government’s instructions.
While sympathising with all families whose near and dear ones had become the victims of coronavirus, Bajwa prayed for quick and complete recovery of all.
The PHF secretary advised people from all walks of life to follow the instructions of doctors and experts to remain safe from the virus, noting “life is a precious gift of God”.
