Tahir Zaman Steps In as Pakistan Hockey Coach Ahead of Asian Champions Trophy 2024

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Former Olympian Tahir Zaman has been appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan men's hockey team, just days before the start of the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy.

This sudden change came after Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans stepped down, refusing to take on another short-term contract with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). With the tournament set to begin on September 8 in Hulunbuir, China, Zaman's appointment couldn't be more timely.

Tahir Zaman isn't just any coach; he's a legend in Pakistan's hockey history. He was a key player in the team that won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and later led the team to a gold medal victory at the 1994 FIH Hockey World Cup in Sydney. Zaman has successfully transitioned from being a top player to an influential coach, even guiding the national junior team in the past. His deep knowledge of the game and a master's degree in coaching from the FIH make him the perfect choice to lead the team during this critical time.

Taking on the role of head coach, Zaman will now be responsible for the team's strategy and planning, while Zeeshan Ashraf, the former assistant coach, will manage the team during the tournament. This leadership change was made after Oltmans' last-minute demand for a long-term contract, which the PHF was unable to meet.
The road to the Asian Champions Trophy hasn't been smooth for Pakistan. The team has faced financial challenges, with delays in funding from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) affecting their preparations. Despite these setbacks, the PHF remains hopeful, stressing that the team is united and ready to compete.

Pakistan will face tough opponents in the tournament, including a much-anticipated match against their arch-rivals, India, on September 14. After finishing fifth in the 2023 edition, where they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against India in the quarterfinals, the team is eager to improve their performance this year.