IPOH – Pakistan hockey head coach Roelant Oltmans has vowed that his hockey team will only return to Islamabad after winning the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Oltmans’ response came after his side’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand, attracting approximately 200 fans at the Azlan Shah Stadium here today.
Pakistan and New Zealand have clashed 29 times since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, with Pakistan having a higher winning percentage of 58.62%.
The last time both sides met was at the Paris Olympics qualifiers in Oman, which ended with a 3-2 win for New Zealand.
Oltmans commended his charges’ performance against the world number 10 side.
The Dutchman further said that his side would not succumb to the pressure from the Pakistani public and its Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, which are believed to have expectations for the Flying Green Horses not to return home empty-handed.
“We don’t care about pressure because we are just here to play hockey.
“I’ve been in this profession for too long, and I’ve always made sure that none of my boys are burdened by any pressure outside the turf.
“We are here for a reason and we know our directions well. We will definitely go home with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and we are not here to meet anyone’s expectations.
“If we play based on people’s expectations, I suggest we go home immediately as we will be beaten by three to four goals difference.
“It doesn’t make any sense to play for others. All I want from my players is to play for the team, and the only thing I expect from my players is to execute my plans.
“If we win tournaments, it’s good, and if we don’t…I’m sorry.
“But I can guarantee everyone back home in Pakistan that this team will go up, and these boys have the potential to do well for the country in the years to come,” said Oltmans during the post-match conference.
At the same time, New Zealand’s head coach Greg Nicol expressed his disappointment in his charges for not clinching a win against their world number 15 opponents.
“We had so many chances to win the game, especially in the opening two quarters of the match. But in the last two quarters of the match, we gave away the game.
“We hope to rectify this matter and put on a commendable performance in our last match in the tournament,” said Nicol.
Luke Holmes, who made his third appearance for his country, scored the opening goal for the Black Sticks in the 35th minute, while Abu Mahmood equalised for Pakistan in the 43rd minute through a penalty corner.
Pakistan, which has made 22 appearances in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and won the tournament three times (1999, 2000, and 2003) since its inception in 1983, will take on Japan in the final tomorrow. – May 10, 2024