It will be a test of fire for Qatar’s young team when they take on favourites Azerbaijan, bolstered by the inclusion of several former Olympians from Pakistan, in the World Series Hockey League starting today at Al Rayyan Stadium.

The hosts have been training hard for quite sometime and come into the tournament on a high.

Coached by former Malaysian Olympian Shaiful Azli, Qatar completed a month long camp in Malaysia and won a couple of friendly matches against Singapore. In the run-up to the tournament they also played two practice matches against Turkey and won the contest handsomely 6-2 and 5-1.

“We won the first match against Singapore 3-2 and then in the second we rallied from a three-goal deficit to win 4-3. The success against Turkey was also a big boost for us,” said Qatar’s star striker Savio Nayak of Wanderers Club, on whom the team will be heavily relying on up front.

Nayak’s teammate Rohit Charles also adds stability to the side that has several players from the Shabab boys team, all below the age group of 20.

“Yes we lack a bit of experience and most of our players are young but we have been playing as a unit for quite some time. We are aware that Azerbaijan would be tough team but we are not intimidated by them. We shall try and give our best,” added Nayak, who did not score in the warm-up match against Turkey but was instrumental in setting up four goals.

The only worry for the team is the fitness of the skipper Yusef Sulaiti, who had split the webbing on his hand. However, he has passed the fitness test and is expected to play in the opener.

Azerbaijan, on the other hand, look a formidable side on paper with a huge list of Olympians in their ranks. The team led by Saleh Balamiyev have some very experienced players, including former Pakistani Olympians and internationals like Tariq Usman who starred for champions Sher- e- Punjab in last year’s edition of World Series Hockey in India.

Old warhorse Muhamed Shahbir and Ali Gaznafer also figure in the line-up and renowned former Pakistan custodian Mohamed Kamran will once again be in charge of the citadel.

Mohamed Toufeeq and Vaqas Butt, who have also served Pakistan, will be adding more depth to the team.

Qatar coach Azli, however, was confident of his  team doing well in front of the home crowd. “We have a young side but they have come up with some strong performances in recent times and I’m sure they can match any team,” said Azli after a training session yesterday.

“There is no doubt that Azerbaijan is a strong side and they have several experienced players. But I don’t think they have played together a lot. It will take them some time to settle and so it is good to meet them early in the tournament,” felt Azli.  

Earlier in the day, Turkey will meet Sri Lanka. Turkey, who play the European brand of hockey have a few players playing in the German second division. The Lankan side will be banking on a large expat population to egg them on.

A popular Sri Lankan band Black Cats will also be performing live at the stadium.

“Everything has been put into place and we expect the tournament to attract a good crowd. The presence of some former Olympians is a big boost. This event is an ideal preparation for us ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament to be held here next month,” said Qatar Hockey Federation’s general secretary Mohamed Abdul Nazar.

 

 

 

 

 

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