Well-placed sources in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) told Arab News on Monday that Pakistan will decide whether to make any changes to their national team after their month-long tour of Europe end mid July. By then, they would have also analyzed the performance of the country’s under-19 players who will be featuring in the 2011 Junior Asia Cup in Singapore later this month.

“The senior team’s tour of Europe and the Junior Asia Cup are two very important events for Pakistan especially in view of their preparations for the Olympic Games next summer,” said a source. “The two events will help the PHF to decide on the fate of the country’s senior players and that whether any of the junior team players will strengthen Pakistan’s Olympic squad.

Pakistan have won three hockey golds in Olympic Games but their last title came way back in 1984 in Los Angeles. They have returned empty-handed from the last three editions of the Olympics in Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s junior team coach Rana Mujahid believes that he is at the helm of a young brigade that can help put Pakistan hockey back on track. He told Arab News in an interview that at least four of his charges have the potential to become world class players in the near future.

“We still have loads of talent,” said the former Olympian, who is currently training Pakistan’s youth hockey team for this month’s Junior Asia Cup in Singapore.

“We have boys who are really good. They have skills and they are hard working,” he added.

Rana is confident that some of his players can go on to help Pakistan raise their hopes for next year’s Olympic Games in London. “I’m quite optimistic about the future of several junior players,” he said. “At least three to four of them are good enough to earn places in the national team right away.” Rana said that for his boys, the Junior Asia Cup to be played from June 17-26 will be a litmus test. “The tournament will provide us with a perfect opportunity to test these boys. If they pass this challenge then I would certainly recommend them for senior team’s duty,” he said.

Pakistan will begin the Singapore assignment as the main contenders in the absence of old rivals India.

But Rana is not taking anything for granted. “The fact that India are not playing in the event gives us a slight advantage,” he said. “But teams like Malaysia and Korea are really good and we will have to give our best to win the title.” Rana said that a title-winning triumph in Singapore will be a boost for Pakistan hockey. “Right now hockey is on the way up and I believe that we can do our bit by winning the title in Singapore.”