And in Hyderabad, Atif, who likes to be referred as Atif not Bashir, produced two top class goals. He was rightly adjudged the `Man of the Match'.

``We are on a mission. Our aim is the 2000 Sydney Olympics. And so far, the performance is very good especially after the bad show in the Bangkok Asian Games. This series is going to help us, and the newcomers should gain good exposure. We are testing them,'' said Atif in an exclusive interview to The New Indian Express here on Mondayevening.

Although there was no critical reaction at home after their third-placed performance at Bangkok, the soft-spoken Atif agreed the showing was not good for Pakistan hockey. ``We were shocked but not shattered. This came after our good show in the Champions Trophy where we entered the final. We discussed our faults and this series has given opportunity to the young team to gain confidence for tough matches in international tournaments ahead.''

Atif said the team will be repeatedly shuffled before the Olympics. ``We want to settle into a winning combination before Sydney. This year, there are many international matches. By 2000, the new boys will have played 30 to 40 matches. It will help their confidence.''

Asked whether India are missing players like Pillay, Mukesh, Ballal and others, Atif said: ``The team is definitely missing them. But then, India is also experimenting with new players. It is a cycle. Every player has to leave. We have to adjust accordingly.''

Atif had a word of praise forIndian striker Gagan Ajit Singh. ``He is a good player. He has a lovely ball sense. He is there at the right time in the circle. I am impressed with his play.''

According to Atif, Baljit Saini is a tricky customer. ``He is the player, along with Mohd Riaz, we fear most.''

Atif felt the decision to appoint a maestro like Shahnaz Sheikh as coach of the Pakistan team was the best thing to happen. ``For the first time, we are adopting new, scientific methods. I am sure, under his guidance, Pakistan will emerge a much stronger side. He is very friendly and the boys have been comfortable with him.''

Atif said both India and Pakistan should play their traditional game but with few modifications. ``It's God's gift to us. The game comes naturally to us. We should develop our skills with hard work. The 5-3-2-1 formation is not wrong. Of course, there may be few changes in strategies during the game.''

The tour, according to Atif, has so far gone off well. ``The crowds have been very good, though we hadapprehensions before the start of the tour. But once we landed in New Delhi, all the fears disappeared.''