Pak hockey coach tells players not to repeat 2014 behaviour

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India. Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions Trophy, when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India.

The FIH had suspended two players — Muhammad Tousiq and Ali Amjad — while Shafqat Rasool was let off with a warning. Hockey India had ruled out Pakistani players’ participation in future editions of Hockey India League (HIL) after the incident. “Behavioural aspect is very important for me and I have told the players that there will be straight action if any incident of indiscipline happens. I hope their behaviour will be exemplary this time,” Sardar said in an interview from Karachi.

“I am told that players were provoked by the spectators otherwise they would not have done that. I am sure my players will not repeat it and will be remembered for their performance. In 2014 also, we have had good memories on field when we beat India and Netherlands,” said the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 1982 Asiad gold medallist.

India and Pakistan were declared joint winner in the just concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat after the final was called off due to heavy rains. There were reports quoting Hassan that Pakistan was willing to play but India denied.

“It’s not like that. I only said that we wanted to play the final against India and I am sure Indians would have been feeling the same. No player in the world would like to see the final getting washed away like this but realistically play was not possible in such circumstances,” he said.

NEWDELHI: