x4

Gulf News

The recent surge for hockey can only get better if the UAE nationals involved enhance their commitment for the sport.

Pakistan's international hockey umpire Rashid Butt, who stopped over briefly in Dubai on his way to Barcelona late on Friday, suggested that an enhanced commitment from UAE players can get the country firmly onto the Asian hockey map.

"The UAE has taken the right step by preparing a team of youngsters and getting them exposed through two overseas tours already," noted Butt.

Butt has been appointed as one of the four neutral umpires to officiate at the European Cup and Olympic qualifiers for Athens 2004 to be staged in Barcelona from September 1-13.

Butt was a special guest of sports enthusiast Sarfaraz Shaikh and his students Abid Naqvi and Mohammed Zahid.

"Now that the UAE has begun, they have to concentrate on boys from eight years onwards and develop them accordingly to adapt to the physical part of the modern-day game," Butt stated.

"The officials should not look at the results right now. They will have to be patient. They will see the fruits only after two to four years of hard work," he cautioned.

These developments, he said, can only go hand-in-hand with better facilities and infrastructure in the country.

"Sometimes I wonder why the game of hockey has not blossomed here. I personally think the ruling family should get involved. The UAE has such wonderful facilities for a whole range of sport. Then why not hockey?"

The official is of the firm conviction that UAE youngsters, like those from India and Pakistan, have the natural instinct and flair for the game.

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.