Ex-German hockey coach reluctant to take up job in 'violent' Pakistan

Karachi, Mar.25: (ANI): The series of bomb blasts in Lahore, in which over 50 people were killed earlier this month, has prevented former German hockey coach Paul Lissek from taking up the post of Pakistan's hockey coach.

According to sources, Lissek had almost accepted the offer of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Asif Bajwa during the hockey World Cup in New Delhi, where Pakistan finished in the humiliating last spot.

Lissek, who masterminded Germany's rise as one of the most successful hockey teams in the world, was initially reluctant but later conveyed his willingness to take over as Pakistan's head coach, sources said.

However, after the March 12 serial blasts in Lahore, Lissek is hesitant to come to Pakistan.

"Lissek started having second thoughts about working in Pakistan after what happened in Lahore. He knows that Lahore is the headquarters of Pakistan hockey and as national coach he will have to stay there a lot," The News quoted sources, as saying.

Lissek has served as Malaysia's head coach for several years and almost signed a contract to work with India a couple of years back.

Pakistan's hockey team have been going through a really bad time, and the PHF had sacked the entire team management after the World Cup disaster.

Pakistan hockey management is in dire straits and is looking to hire a coach before the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh (Malaysia) from May 6-16. (ANI)