Asian Champions Trophy: Indian physio helps Pakistan team stay fit

Chennai-based physiotherapist Rajakamal at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium yesterday. Pic/Ashwin Ferro

A spirited Pakistan played out a 1-1 draw with defending champions Korea in their second match of the Asian Champions Trophy here, and they have an Indian to thank - Chennai-based physiotherapist Rajakamal.

"Raj is a brilliant guy. He has been working with our boys for the last few days and he seems to have solved all our issues. The conditions here are tough and the heat is energy-sapping, but our boys have no complaints physically thanks to Raj. Last night [Thursday], after we finished our match [v Malaysia] at around 8pm, Raj kept working on the boys till 12:30am. He had a lot of treatments to do and the result is in front of you. We have fared well against the defending champions," Pakistan coach Saqlain Muhammad told mid-day at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium here yesterday.

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Pakistan were unable to bring along their physiotherapist to India due to a visa issue and informed the Asian Hockey Federation about the need for one just before the start of the tournament. Eventually, the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu offered them the services of Rajakamal. "We were impressed when we saw his CV. He is a thorough professional. Our communication was a slight problem initially as he speaks only Tamil and English and not all our boys were well-versed with English. But we have a translator now and all is well," said Rehan Butt, also one of the coaches with the Pakistan team.

So is there a fear of split loyalties during the India v Pakistan clash on August 9? "Definitely not," Rajakamal told mid-day. "I'm an Indian and India will have my full support, but being a professional, I will serve the Pakistan team to the best of my ability," he added. Earlier, Pakistan's Abdul Shahid (9th min) scored an early opener before Korea's Jihun Yang (53rd minute) converted a penalty stroke to ensure both teams shared points.