‘Human error’ PHF Secretary Asif on fielding 12 players against Japan

LAHORE: The Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa termed the incident of fielding 12 players against Japan in the Hockey Asia Cup 2022 a ‘human error’, whereas, announced that the inquiry committee is investigating the matter.

Asif, while talking to the media here opined on the costly error by national team in the Asia Cup, which prevented their qualification into the next round, by terming it to be a ‘human error’.

“An issue came up from the Asia Cup of fielding 12 players in a match and the head coach has also taken the responsibility of that blunder, since he is the one who decides when and which player will go on the field,” Asif stated.

“I, personally, think that it was a human error, while the inquiry committee is investigating the matter,” he maintained.

The PHF secretary also announced that the national team’s manager Khawaja Junaid will not be continuing with his position in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games 2022 as the latter expressed his desire to work as a technocrat.

“Khawaja Junaid has done a great job, he has been a great manager but he will not be continuing as the manager for the Commonwealth Games,” Asif announced.

“We have allowed Junaid to resign from his position as he is willing to work as a technocrat,” he added.

Junaid, on the other hand, asserted Asif and confirmed that he had previously apologized to continue as the manager as he claimed to have vast experience working in the field.

“I have the experience of working on the ground and I want to continue to work with relevance to my experience. I had already told the federation before the Asia Cup that I can’t work as a manager,” Junaid stated.

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Conspiracy involved in getting Indian visas for Junior Hockey world cup: Asif Bajwa

Lahore: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa believes that there is a conspiracy involved from Hockey India in getting visas for Junior Hockey World Cup.

According to Bajwa, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) invited PHF to participate in the World Cup on September 23 but the next day, they were told that the last date to submit visa application was September 24.

“On September 23, we were told that Hockey India had sent an email on September 18. But we did not receive any mail from Hockey India on September 18,” he said.

Bajwa questioned that the Junior World Cup schedule was released on September 23, so how did Hockey India mail on September 18?

“We had asked Hockey India for ten days to apply for visas. I have spoken to FIH President Narendra Batra and Chief Executive Asian Hockey Tayyab Ikram on the issue. Both have assured support,” he added.

“We have sent the preliminary list of players and officials to Hockey India. We have also completed 90% of the visa application process,” Asif Bajwa added.

Asif revealed that they have asked the government of Pakistani for the NOC. “PHF wants to play in the World Cup but will abide by the decision of the government over participation.”

The 12th Junior Hockey World Cup is scheduled in India from November 24 to December 5. Pakistan got direct qualification to the mega event after Junior Asia Cup was postponed due to COVID-19.

Read: PHF seeks NOC from government for Junior Hockey World Cup in India