Lahore: Although the national sport of hockey has declined, Pakistan has a hockey coach who shines by teaching the sport to foreigners.
Hailing from Sheikhupura, Naeem Khan has worked with the Gent Hockey Club in Ghent, Belgium for twelve years, managing the men’s and women’s teams as well as the head coach of the youth team. After returning to Lahore, Nahim Khan told Express News that his club has not only achieved success in the European Championship but also in youth development. The club places great emphasis on physical fitness and skill development through a structured system.
Naeem Khan believes in the ability of young players to handle pressure at a young age. Lamenting the condition of Pakistan hockey, he said that even though foreigners were learning hockey, the Pakistan Hockey Federation never approached him. He said that Pakistan has earned him respect and pride and he has managed to win the hearts of foreigners by playing and studying here.
Naeem Khan said he was inspired by Rana Zahid Hockey Academy in Lahore, Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy and Tawqer Dar Hockey Academy in Sheikhupura and elsewhere, which focus on training new kids. He said, there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan, and with good intentions and honesty, little can be achieved in the field of hockey.
According to Naeem Khan, Pakistan’s senior team has tremendous potential but needs good training and focus on playing as a unit. Appreciating the idea of Pakistan Super Hockey League, Naeem Khan said that he is happy that Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashud will start Super Hockey League and he is ready to cooperate for the success of this league and can help Belgium. team to Pakistan.
