Pakistan hockey captain Wasim  Ahmed  and
penalty  corner  expert  Sohail Abbas, who is  also  the  world's
highest  goal scorer, today announced their retirement  from  the
game.

The  announcement came after Pakistan clinched the  bronze  medal
beating archrivals 3-2 in the Champions Trophy hockey  tournament
here.

"I  have  played  enough for my country and it is  now  time  for
youngsters  to  take over," said the 28-year-old who  scored  274
goals during his career spanning for over seven years.

He added: "I am getting married in two week's time and that  will
start a new chapter of my life."

Waseem, who was recently appointed captain before the Test series
against  India, said he was vacating his slot for  young  players
but  that  he would continue playing in the European  league.  "I
have been playing for 13 years now. I think the time has come  to
say good bye to the game. I need some mental and physical  rest,"
the diminutive mid-fielder told reporters here.

"We have some very promising players coming up and keeping an eye
on the future, we need to have a young side," said the veteran of
over 250 internationals. (ANI)