The News International

By our correspondent

KARACHI: Former Pakistan hockey captain Muhammad Sarwar was on Monday given a warm send-off by his team-mates and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials after the seasoned forward announced his retirement from international hockey.

Sarwar, who led Pakistan in 2000 and 2001, told reporters that he had decided to hang up his boots after being overlooked by the national selectors in an 18-member team announced for next month's Champions Trophy in Amstelveen (Holland) and September's Asia Cup in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

##"It was my dream to play for Pakistan in the (next) Olympic Games and win a medal there but knowing that I was not in a position to do that, I have decided to retire from international hockey," said an emotional Sarwar.

The Okara-born Sarwar was a veteran of 181 matches in which he scored 44 goals mostly as a sharp right-in. He represented Pakistan at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics and a number of other major tournaments in a career that started at home with a minor international tournament back in 1995.

#"When I was invited to the (training) camp I had made up my mind that I will retire if not selected in the team," he said.

The 28-year-old Sarwar said that he personally felt he was still fit to play international hockey but added that he respected the PHF decision to induct younger players in the side.

"There are many youngsters in the side who can be groomed into good players," said Sarwar.

He pinpointed his predecessor Mudassar Ali Khan as a talented player and said that with a little more experience the youngster can fill the gap left by him (Sarwar) in the national team.

#Sarwar appeared in the national training camp but was not fielded on the last day of the trials at the Pakistan Steel Sports Complex on Monday. Instead he was called by the PHF President General Muhammad Aziz Khan for a farewell meeting. Sarwar also met with PHF secretary Brigadier Musarratullah Khan and the members of the national selection committee.

Later, he shook hands and hugged his former team-mates amidst loud clapping before leaving the field.

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