British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday praised the skills and technique of the Pakistani hockey players and urged them to improve their physical fitness for gaining productive results in the prime hockey events.
The British Prime Minister in an informal chat with the team members and officials after the Commonwealth Games hockey final in which
Australia beat Pakistan 3-1 said he was delighted to see the skills and technique of the Pakistani players, specially forward Rehan Butt, Shakeel Abbasi and captain Muhammad Saqlain.
"You have an excellent team having all the natural talent but you have to concentrate on improving the physical fitness of players in order to perform well in the final of the elite tournament," said Tony Blair while talking to the team members after the medals awarding ceremony.
Blair awarded the gold medals to the Australian players and then straight came to the Pakistan side and shook hand with every player then having a informal chat besides having a photo session with them.
He also had a brief chat with the team officials near the bench of the team. He was kind with the Pakistani players accepting their repeated requests with smile for having individual photo session with him. The British Prime Minister said he enjoyed a good final in which both sides put up their best but Pakistani side was unfortunate to lose one player, Tariq Aziz who was suspended for the match for his assault on a Australian player, and in that situation it become very difficult for them to put pressure on the opponents.
He pointed out that Muhammad Saqlain led the side with his skilful play and he liked his firm play. "A captain should be doing in the same manner the way you did," he added.
Pakistani captain, Muhammad Saqlain said the team was encouraged with the advise of the British Prime Minister who had a good knowledge of hockey.
"His words are a great encouragement for us and we are deeply impressed with his kind attitude and relaxed chat with us," he said.
Pakistan hockey team management comprising, chief coach, Asif Bajwa, coach Rana Mujahid and manager Saeed Khan expressed their thanks to the Blair for visiting the Pakistani team bench and exchanging views them.
"We will ever remember the soft and kind attitude of the British
Prime Minister and his presence encouraged us, " he said.