Ex-Pakistan Olympian blames hockey federation for 'sorry' state of national team

Former Pakistan Olympian Wasim Feroze, who won a bronze in the 1992 Olympics, has blamed the hockey federation's inefficiency for the present condition of the national side, adding that it will take at least 20 years for the team to regain its lost status.

"There was constant chopping and changing by the federations after the 1994 glory, which is why the national side stands where it does today. It will take at least 20 years for the Greenshirts to rule the world again," The Express Tribune quoted Feroze, as saying.

Pakistan has not won an Olympic medal in hockey since 1992 and its last World Cup medal was a gold in 1994. The team won the Asian Games in 2010.

Feroze said teams from educational institutions used to be stronger in his days as there was a substantial quota for athletes, which has now been reduced considerably.

Meanwhile, he added that those who have made the cut for the London Olympics are lucky to be in the squad.

"Back in the 70s and 80s, a player had to wait for a decade to become an Olympian. Today, those with a handful of matches under their belts get to do that. Around 80 percent of those in the team would not have made the cut had they been playing in that era," he said. (ANI)