Hockey player Ali Shan misses his cardio exercises

ISLAMABAD: Ali Shan, one of the leading names of modern day Pakistan hockey, like many other sportsmen has restricted himself to his house but dearly misses the cardiovascular exercises that he says is a must for an attacking player like him.

A resident of Danshaw, a small town near Kasur, Ali has been in isolation since March 22. He had to leave the national training camp midway due to his father’s ailment. He is not only one of the top players in national hockey, but is also a favorite pick for European leagues.

“I have to admit these are tough days for us in many ways. I am a halfback cum forward and as such need to do hard cardiovascular exercises on regular basis to keep myself fit. I am really missing my running, jogging and speed exercises. For an attacking hockey player who regularly plays for international leagues such exercises hold great value,” he said.

Ali, however, thanked the Pakistan Hockey Federation for developing a programme that has been helping players in these testing times. “I pray to Almighty Allah to save and help us get through these testing times.

“The PHF on the instruction of Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has evolved a programme for all the camp trainees to stay fit while staying home till the time things get better.

“Head coach Khawaja Junaid is looking after the players’ progress and we also have to regularly upload our training videos so that if we go wrong somewhere, trainers and coaches can guide us.

“We start our day with one-hour drills and exercises. In the evening session we take part in two-hour technical drills with hockey sticks. This is our normal routine. Though we miss training on the field, regular training at home at least gives us the hope that whenever we return to the ground we won’t take much time to get into the groove.”

Ali hoped that Pakistan hockey would emerge better and more popular after coming out of the current crisis. “I pray and hope that these crises will be over soon. Once things get better, youngsters’ interest in sports will develop even more. Hopefully hockey will be the biggest beneficiary. Hockey in Pakistan needs a broader pool and more interest from the youth.”

Ali was optimistic about playing in the Asian Champions Trophy and a three-nation tournament involving New Zealand and Korea that was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“A hockey player needs regular international exposure. Asian Champions Trophy and the three-nation tournament will be ideal stages to help us regroup and show the world that Pakistan hockey is still the strongest around,” he said.