Former Pakistan hockey captain Tahir Zaman has emphasized the need for the national setup to bring in foreign coaches in order to revive the country’s declining fortunes in the sport. Once a powerhouse of world hockey, Pakistan has struggled in recent years to maintain its dominance, and Zaman believes that international expertise could provide the technical edge and modern strategies required to compete at the highest level again.
According to Zaman, foreign coaches bring with them not only advanced training methods but also a fresh perspective that can help players adapt to the fast-paced, modern style of hockey. He highlighted that countries like India and Malaysia have benefited significantly from foreign coaching staff, which has contributed to their improved performances on the international stage. Pakistan, he argued, should follow a similar path to keep up with the evolving demands of world hockey.
Zaman also stressed that appointing foreign coaches does not mean undermining local talent. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity for local coaches to learn new techniques and strategies, which can then be passed on to future generations. He urged the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to invest in long-term development plans that combine international expertise with domestic coaching efforts.
Furthermore, he suggested that specialized coaches for fitness, goalkeeping, and tactical analysis could greatly enhance the overall standard of the national team. With the right guidance and structure, Zaman remains hopeful that Pakistan can reclaim its former glory on the hockey field.
His call serves as a timely reminder for stakeholders to take bold steps if they wish to see Pakistan hockey rise again. The integration of foreign expertise, alongside nurturing homegrown talent, could prove to be the formula for success in restoring pride to the nation’s national sport.
Tahir Zaman Calls on Pakistan Hockey to Appoint Foreign Coaches
