Olympian Shahnaz Shiekh on Thursday said the way Pakistan hockey team is performing in the London Olympics, it seems the gold medal is near for them to accomplish. Pakistan beat Argentina by 2-0 in their second match at the Games while earlier their match against Spain ended in a 1-1 draw.
Talking to APP the Olympian said Pakistan is playing magnificently at the Games. "I believe there are eighty percent chances of Pakistan team to reach in the final of the mega event," he said adding that it is a good sign for the national team. Shahnaz was optimistic that the national team would clinch a medal for the country at the London Olympics. "The team will win their next matches and would prove themselves one of the toughest competitors of the event," he said. He said that despite the level of competitiveness Pakistan has done well up till now.
Shahnaz said accumulating 10 points with three wins and a draw out of five matches is not impossible for Pakistan. "The level of confidence I saw in the team against Argentina has amazed me," he said. The Olympian further said that the Pakistan mid field should combine with the forwards to enhance their attack.
Shahnaz while praising the goal-keeper Imran Shah said, "When Argentina got a few chances on penalty corner just after the start of the second half, Imran saved it brilliantly. Shahnaz was also full of praise for the captain Sohail Abbas saying he has kept the team playing with unity which is good for the players. The Olympian also praised the coach Akthar Rasool for training the team so well in such a short time for the mega event. "Akhar should be given the credit for assembling the team so well for the Games in a short time.