Rehan Butt terms retirement a one time affair

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: Despite being out of favour since long, the former Pakistan Hockey captain, Rehan Butt is in no mood to hang his boots anytime soon. Talking to this correspondent for New One TV the experienced forward applauded the younger lot which performed well in the recent international events.

“Dropping me was the decision of the hockey federation, but frankly the players performed exceptionally well in the absence of some senior guys, therefore should be highly praised”, said Rehan Butt

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) dropped a few senior players including Rehan Butt, following team’s dismal show in the London Olympics last year.

“I am pleased to see the team returning with Bronze and Gold medals in back to back events lately”, added Butt, who has recently monitored the trails to pick national U-16 outfit for the upcoming Asia Cup.

On a question about retirement, the former skipper termed it a one-time call, adding that he wanted to take the important decision after through deliberation.

“I don’t want to go and then come back. Retirement will come eventually but not till I am playing foreign leagues. I will hang my boots once and for all.” maintained Rehan Butt  

The PHF recently gave Rehan Butt the responsibility of coaching the junior outfit for the upcoming event. In the first phase he, along with other officials, has witnessed trials in various cities to pick a bunch of U-16 players.

Rehan Butt, 32, said he has been enjoying his new responsibilities and considers it as a way to give something back to the country.

“I have witnessed very good players at this level especially in Punjab and KPK, soon the probables be announced for the training camp in Karachi, where I will be working on them for the Asia Cup” concludes Rehan Butt

The U-16 Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Singapore from April 4 to 7.

The writer is a Pakistani sports journalist, and tweets @mak_asif