In our latest interview, we talk to the former Pakistan hockey star and Olympian Imran Ali Warsi (Age 28), who is currently playing in a Russian League for the club Dinamo Kazan. Warsi talks to us about how he became a hockey player, his pride at representing Pakistan, current activities and future aims.

By PakPassion staff (28th May, 2014)

PakPassion.net: At what age did you start playing Hockey and at what level did you think you would represent Pakistan?

Imran Ali Warsi: I actually used to play Cricket and had no intentions of becoming a professional hockey player. My hockey career was quite unplanned. It was my father who instilled passion of Hockey in me. He coached me at school level and then I got into DG College Karachi due to my Hockey skills. I then played Under-17 in Quetta and for that I had to skip my exams. I played the game at international level mainly due to my father’s efforts. I don't think that I had much talent in me but I was definitely a hard worker.


PakPassion.net: Who was your inspiration in terms of your interest in becoming a Hockey player?

Imran Ali Warsi: To be honest, I had no inspiration. I did not follow any specific player. But you can say I was fan of my father Ahtesham Ali Warsi, who played the Hockey World Cup 1979 and has coached the Pakistan Hockey team. He has also featured in the veterans World Cup.


PakPassion.net: Which has been the most memorable moment of your International career?

Imran Ali Warsi: The best moments of my career occurred whenever I was wearing the green shirt for Pakistan Hockey Team. In addition to that, being an Olympian is also something I always feel good about. One of my career’s highlights was the 8-nation Rabobank Trophy in Amsterdam where Pakistan beat Australia in the Final and I was the first goal scorer in it. Pakistan have not won any major trophy since then.


PakPassion.net: You are with the Russian Hockey Club Dinamo Kazan since 2008. How has been the experience?

Imran Ali Warsi: After playing the Olympics, I moved to Russia. I have been playing here for the past six years, though my team have been winning for the past 10 years. I have learnt a lot from this club. I got awareness about diet, physical training, nutrition plans and gym. Later, I also played the domestic hockey in India and Malaysia.


PakPassion.net: What has been your achievement in Russia so far? Any specific record?

Imran Ali Warsi: I was the top goal scorer in the Russian league for four years on the trot from 2008. I have scored 215 goals so far in the league here and I consider it as my biggest achievement.


PakPassion.net: What are your future plans in this field? Do you plan to become a coach or a commentator?

Imran Ali Warsi: I will continue as a player for next few years and after that I plan to open a Hockey Academy in Russia for the local kids but for that I will have to do some coaching courses. I don’t want to be like other players who start coaching right after retirement. My plans are to do a coaching course from the United Kingdom and I also want to do a degree in Sports Science.


PakPassion.net: What are your views on the latest changes in rules which will see four halves of 15 minutes each?

Imran Ali Warsi: As you know, in the EHL they already have 4 halves, each having 17.5 minutes and hockey has become quite fast with this rule. Although the 15-minute half is more difficult than the 35-minute half, it will be good for Hockey. These rules are good for viewers as well. They will take more interest in it now. It is a good decision by FIH.


PakPassion.net: Do you think that these new rules will help Asian players?

Imran Ali Warsi: Whether you are from Asia or Europe it should not matter. The rules are same for everyone so I don’t think that these rules will benefit players of some specific region.


PakPassion.net: Pakistan Hockey is going through a tough time. If you were given charge to improve things, what are the first steps you will take?

Imran Ali Warsi: Pakistan Hockey Team needs a qualified coach, trainer and nutritionist. Also the selection committee needs to be fair, the selection should be based on merit and not on personal preference for a certain player. If these steps are taken, Pakistan will start winning again.


PakPassion.net: Do you think Pakistan can get back it's lost pride in Field Hockey?

Imran Ali Warsi: With hard work and honesty, everything is possible in this world.

Discuss!