HOCKEY SUPPORT FOR SHORT PASSING PLAY STYLE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28551, 2 April 1958, Page 19

HOCKEY SUPPORT FOR SHORT PASSING PLAY STYLE

A strong belief in the short passing game of hockey was expressed by the associate manager of the Pakistan Hockey team (Mr S. M. Hussain) on his arrival in Christchurch from Pakistan yesterday afternoon. “I believe in the short passing game; it is more accurate than hard hitting." he said. “However, a hockey player must be the master of both styles—the short pass and the long play. He cannot do without one or the other." Mr Hussain’s first questions when he was met at the Christchurch International Airport by the secretary of the New Zealand Hockey Association (Mr W. H. Down) were about how. the team was playing. After Mr Down had outlined the play Mr Hussain commented: "Not bad; they are doing all right." The team was the best one that could be selected, he said. There were 13 Olympic players and the other five were quickly rising to the top. He predicted that the team would do much better than the Prince of Manavadar's team, of which be was captain, which toured New Zealand in 1938. “At the time we were touring, New Zealand was having the worst weather for more than 20 years and I can recall many matches being played in the mud," he said “With this sunny weather and fine grounds the boys will do better than before.” Mr Hussain is no stranger to New Zealand. Besides touring in 1938 he toured with Dhyan Chand's All-India team in 1935. He was a

member of the 1936 Indian Olympic team. Mr Hussain is director of sport in the Bahawalpur area, and is secretary of the Pakistan Cricket Council. He is secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation and managed the 1956 Olympic team.