Former Test cricketer Aaqib Javed alongside Lahore Qalandars' owner Atif Rana attended the ongoing national camp ahead of Junior hockey Asia Cup 2023.
As many as 47 probables, who were selected during open trials in Karachi and Lahore, are currently attending the camp ahead of the Asian event. A five-member selection committee, comprised of Olympians Nasir Ali, Rahim Khan, Shakeel Abbasi and Kalemullah Khan, in consultation with the national junior coaching staff, will announce the team after monitoring players during the camp.
On Monday, Qalandars' management reached Defense Hockey Arena, DHA Lahore to meet Junior Asia Cup probables. During the meeting, Aaqib motivated players and asked them to be determined for their cause.
"Hockey is a very typical game. I believe fitness is very important in this game. If you remain fit and determined, nobody can stop you from representing Pakistan," he told young players.
Junior Asia Cup is scheduled from May 23 to June 1 this year in Oman.
Qalandars took a step to invest in Pakistan's national game. After the successful Pakistan Super League (PSL) journey, Qalandars now aim to lift hockey in the country.
Lahore became the first-ever team to defend its PSL title this year. Soon after winning PSL, Qalandars raced their efforts to launch first-ever hockey league. Atif and his brother Sameen Rana alongside Aaqib met Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) general secretary Haider Hussain and Olympian Shahbaz Sr.
Earlier during PSL 8, Qalandars held open trials in Karachi in a follow-up to a hockey series between Karachi and Lahore. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are roped in as ambassadors of the two teams. Open trials in Lahore will be held soon after which a three-match series will be played.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.