Pakistan seek world body help to revive fortunes

KARACHI, Sep 25 (Reuters) Pakistan, once the world power in hockey, have sought help from the game's global governing body in a bid to revive their international fortunes.

They have asked the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to provide a blueprint for reorganizing Pakistani hockey in line with modern requirements, said Akhtar-ul-Islam, secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.

''The FIH has agreed to send us a comprehensive plan which is based on the modern and scientific concept of the game. Hopefully it will allow us to regain our lost glory,'' Islam told Reuters today.

Pakistan, who have won four World Cups and three Olympic gold medals, finished sixth in the 2006 World Cup won by hosts Germany earlier this month.

The Asian nation's failure to notch up notable performances since winning the 1994 World Cup has led to a drop in interest in the sport by sponsors and players.

''There is no doubt that we are lagging behind the European teams and Australia because the game has changed and has become more professional and planned,'' Islam said.

He said Pakistan would now be looking to appoint a physical trainer and sports psychologist to work with the players while they had also not ruled out the option of a foreign coach.

''There is nothing wrong in having a foreign coach if he can lift our standards. We will be discussing this possibility but nothing is final as yet,'' the former Olympian said.

Islam said the appointment of a foreign coach also depended on the financial position of the federation.

''We start planning for the Olympic Games from now,'' he added.

Pakistan has in the past had two foreign coaches, Dutchmen Hans Jorritsma and Roelant Oltmans. The former led them to the Champions Trophy and World Cup titles in 1994.

Both left in acrimonious circumstances.

REUTERS DH PM1805