Pakistan in Sultan of Johor Cup Final After a Decade: Victory is Essential Head Coach Olympian Syed Sameer Hussain

Johor Bahru: Pakistan Junior Hockey Team head coach and Olympian Syed Sameer Hussain, speaking to Nam News, said that the referees’ decisions during the match against Malaysia were extremely unfortunate and unfair.

Speaking to Nam News, Syed Sameer Hussain said, “We were leading 2–1, but the referees not only allowed Malaysia to equalize but also made decisions that contributed to their 3–2 victory. First, there was a red card, followed by a yellow card, and then green cards were shown after two yellow cards. These decisions were unfair. However, our team did not lose heart and secured a draw against Japan to qualify for the final.”

He added that the final is a major occasion, and the whole world will undoubtedly be watching. He also explained that Pakistan had been without its 17th and 18th players, and the team had played against Japan with only 17 players.

Head coach Syed Sameer Hussain said that Pakistan would certainly adopt a different strategy for the final.

“Pakistan is playing the final of this tournament after almost 10 to 12 years. The country has never won the Sultan of Johor Cup and has reached the final only once. On other occasions, Pakistan has finished fourth or fifth. Now, Pakistan needs just one victory, and we must win. I appeal to the nation to pray for our success,” he said.

Syed Sameer Hussain further stated that this was his second major assignment as head coach. Previously, he had helped the team qualify for the Junior World Cup, win a medal at the Junior Asia Cup, and now reach the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup.

He emphasized that the team’s preparation had taken only three to four months, and most of the players lacked extensive international experience.

He concluded by appealing to the nation to pray for Pakistan’s victory in the final.

Reporter Ali Hassan