Siegfried Aikman is new Pakistan hockey coach

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has roped in Dutch Siegfried Aikman as chief coach for its senior and junior groups till 2026.
Aikman has already left with the senior squad for Bangladesh for the Asian Champions Trophy as an observer and can take over the reins of the group after the event.
“Aikman will be an observer and official in the Asian event where Khawaja Junaid will be head coach. But later on return he will take over coaching duties for the national senior team and also assist with the junior players and at the academy,” PHF Secretary-General Asif Bajwa stated.

pic.twitter.com/aKsidbbmZY
— Pakistan Hockey (PHF) (@PHFOfficial) December 10, 2021
Aikman, 62, who’s a FIH certified coach was additionally in Bhubaneswar in Odisha India to observe the Pakistani junior gamers the place they completed eleventh within the current FIH Junior World Cup.
Aikman, in an announcement, stated for the time being he doesn’t know a lot in regards to the Pakistan gamers and had additionally had temporary discussions with them however he can be making ready long run and quick time period plans for Pakistan hockey.
“While it is essential to start building a strong outfit of players for major events like the Olympics and World Cup, Pakistan hockey at this time also needs some victories to boost the sport,” he stated.

Bajwa stated that the federal authorities had taken accountability for paying Aikman’s contractual charges.
“We have brought in a foreign coach as in the past they have produced good results with our players and we are now preparing for next year’s Asian Games,” Bajwa stated.
Aikman was the coach of the Japanese hockey group in the course of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Pakistan has up to now had overseas coaches however profile sensible they had been in a better league than Aikman.
Under Hans Jorristsma, the Dutch coach, Pakistan received the World Cup and the Champions Trophy in 1994. Roelant Oltmans additionally guided the facet.