Category: Hockey

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday announced its withdrawal from the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India next month.

PHF secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed that the federation has officially informed the International Hockey Federation (IHF) that Pakistan would not feature in the tournament due to tensions between the two nations.

“It is by no means appropriate to travel to India and play under the current situation,” he said.

He also lamented the handshake saga that occurred during the Asia Cup 2025 and condemned receiving the trophy.

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“The incident of not shaking hands with the Pakistan cricket team is regrettable,” he continued.

“Not receiving the trophy from President ACC and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also condemnable. In such a situation, one cannot go to India,” he remarked.

This comes after the heightened tension between both countries since the terrorist attack on tourists in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Pahalgam area.

For the unversed, the Junior Hockey World Cup will run from November 28 to December 10 across Chennai and Madurai.

With 23 teams competing, the pool stage will run over five days, with December 3 set aside as a rest day. The crossover stage will take place afterward, leading up to the final match on December 10.

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JOHOR BAHRU: Pakistan junior hockey team made a strong comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Australia here at the Taman Daya Stadium in the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup 2025.

Pakistan will now face Great Britain tomorrow for the third spot in the tournament.

The 15th match of the tournament between Pakistan and Australia ended in a 3-3 draw. The Kookaburras started the match in dominant fashion, with Oscar Sproule and captain Toby Mallon scoring the goals in the first quarter.

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Meanwhile, Green Shirts made a much-needed comeback in the third quarter with captain Hannan Shahid scoring their first goal. Australia, who were 2-1 till the third quarter, notched another in the 47th minute of the game to consolidate their position.

However, Shahid Hannan struck for Pakistan again in the next minute, followed by an equalizer from Saif Ullah. Both teams tried hard in the last quarter, yet the last group stage fixture for Green Shirts ended in a stalemate.

 

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Pakistan had a topsy-turvy campaign as they opened their account dominantly with a win against hosts Malaysia; however, they suffered defeats against Great Britain and New Zealand.

The final will be played between unbeaten Australia and India, who topped the group standings.

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JOHOR BAHRU: India netted three goals in the last two quarters to hold Pakistan for a 3-3 draw in the ninth match of the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup here at the Taman Daya Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan junior hockey team was leading till the third quarter with 2-0; however, forward Araijeet Singh Hundal netted one into the goal post on a penalty to open the account for his team.

In the fourth quarter, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha scored an equalizer, followed by another goal from Araijeet Singh, who put the Blue Colts on the winning cusp.

Green Shirts were under severe pressure in the last part of the game, yet Sufyan Khan capitalized on a penalty corner and leveled the score line.

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Eventually, the match ended in a stalemate at the end of the full time, with both teams awarded points.  Pakistan now sits in third place with four points, whereas Australia is on top, followed by India.

Pakistan had seized control of the match until the third quarter, starting with Hannan Shahid, who scored in the fifth minute of the first quarter, giving the Green Shirts an early lead in the game.

Pakistan doubled the score with Sufyan Khan converting a penalty corner in the second quarter.

The Green Shirts will play New Zealand tomorrow and will face table toppers Australia on October 17 in their final group stage encounter.

The final and classification matches of the tournament will be played on October 18.

Pakistan Squad for Sultan of Johor Cup

Ali Raza, Muhammad Faizan Janjua, Muhammad Sufyan, Muhammad Wasim, Samiullah, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, and Zakaria Hayat Aqeel Ahmed, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Ali Murtaza, Rana Muhammad Walid Ashraf, Hamza Fayyaz, Abdul Qayyum, Muhammad Usman, Ashraf, Basharat Ali, and Muhammad Shaheer.

Reserves

Yasir Sanawar and Muhammad Hassan

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JOHOR BAHRU: Pakistan junior hockey team kicked off their campaign in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in dominant fashion as they outplayed hosts Malaysia 7-2 here at Taman Daya Stadium on Saturday.

The Green Shirts remained throughout the game, starting with Sufyan Khan, who capitalized on the penalty in the third minute to send one into the nets.

Malaysia fought back in the second quarter as Ammar Qusyairi Halim scored the equalizer in the 20th minute. However, it was Sufyan again who replied in a minute with a goal from another penalty corner.

Following this goal, Pakistan never looked back and scored four quick goals in just five minutes to put them in a decisive position.

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The architect of this mastery was Hannan Shahid, starting with a goal in the 30th minute, followed by Nadeem Khan and two goals from Sufyan, who also completed his hat-trick.

Pakistan scored two more goals in the final quarter to seal a thrilling victory.

For the unversed, the tournament, which started in 2011, is a week-long annual U21 international men’s hockey tournament that is held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Malaysia.

The 12th edition of the tournament features six top international teams — Pakistan, Australia, Great Britain, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand.

Great Britain is currently the defending champions, having defeated Australia last year in the final, which was also their fourth title victory in the tournament’s history.

Pakistan will play Great Britain tomorrow, followed by a clash against arch-rivals India on October 14.

Pakistan will play New Zealand on October 15 and will play against Australia on October 17 in their final group stage encounter. The final and classification matches of the tournament will be played on October 18.

Pakistan Squad for Sultan of Johor Cup

Ali Raza, Muhammad Faizan Janjua, Muhammad Sufyan, Muhammad Wasim, Samiullah, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, and Zakaria Hayat Aqeel Ahmed, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Ali Murtaza, Rana Muhammad Walid Ashraf, Hamza Fayyaz, Abdul Qayyum, Muhammad Usman, Ashraf, Basharat Ali, and Muhammad Shaheer.

Reserves

Yasir Sanawar and Muhammad Hassan

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JOHOR BAHRU: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to face off in the  Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 on October 14 in Malaysia.

The tournament, which started in 2011, is a week-long annual U21 international men’s hockey tournament that is held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Malaysia.

The Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup features six top international teams — Pakistan, Australia, Great Britain, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand.

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Great Britain will enter the field to defend its title, having defeated Australia last year in the final, marking their fourth title victory in the tournament’s history. The tournament will run from October 11 to 18.

Pakistan will begin its campaign against hosts Malaysia on October 11, followed by a match against Great Britain the next day. After a rest day, the Green Shirts will face India on October 14.

Pakistan will play New Zealand on October 15 and finish their group-stage matches against Australia on October 17. The final and classification matches of the tournament will be played on October 18.

Pakistan Squad for Sultan of Johor Cup

Ali Raza, Muhammad Faizan Janjua, Muhammad Sufyan, Muhammad Wasim, Samiullah, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, and Zakaria Hayat Aqeel Ahmed, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Ali Murtaza, Rana Muhammad Walid Ashraf, Hamza Fayyaz, Abdul Qayyum, Muhammad Usman, Ashraf, Basharat Ali, and Muhammad Shaheer.

Reserves

Yasir Sanawar and Muhammad Hassan

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The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has released the official schedule for the upcoming season of the Pro League, with arch-rivals Pakistan and India clashing in June next year.

The Pakistan hockey team secured their place in the Pro League after New Zealand, winners of the 2024–25 Nations Cup, declined their spot.

As runners-up, Pakistan were extended an invitation by FIH, which they accepted following financial backing from the government.

“FIH can confirm that the Pakistan men’s hockey team, nicknamed the Green Shirts, have accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming season of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” the federation said in a statement.

The seventh edition of the competition will feature nine teams: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, and Pakistan, with Ireland relegated after finishing bottom last season.

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The highlight of the season will undoubtedly be the clash between Pakistan and arch-rivals India, set to take place in London on June 23 and 26, 2026.

Pakistan will begin their campaign in Rosario, Argentina, where they face the Netherlands on December 10, followed by hosts Argentina on December 12. The Green Shirts will play 16 matches in total across four international legs.

Their second assignment takes them to Hobart, Australia, in February, where they go head-to-head with the hosts and Germany.

In June, Pakistan will feature in the European leg of the tournament with fixtures against Belgium and Spain in Wavre, before moving to London for the final round against England and India.

Pakistan’s FIH Pro League Schedule

December 2025 – Rosario, Argentina

Dec 10: Netherlands vs Pakistan (03:00)

Dec 12: Argentina vs Pakistan (03:00)

Dec 13: Pakistan vs Netherlands (03:00)

Dec 15: Argentina vs Pakistan (03:00)

February 2026 – Hobart, Australia

Feb 10: Australia vs Pakistan (11:00)

Feb 11: Pakistan vs Germany (13:30)

Feb 13: Australia vs Pakistan (11:00)

Feb 14: Germany vs Pakistan (10:00)

June 2026 – Wavre, Belgium

Jun 13: Belgium vs Pakistan (18:30)

Jun 14: Pakistan vs Spain (18:30)

Jun 19: Belgium vs Pakistan (00:00)

Jun 20: Spain vs Pakistan (18:30)

June 2026 – London, UK

Jun 23: Pakistan vs India (18:30)

Jun 24: England vs Pakistan (17:30)

Jun 26: India vs Pakistan (22:00)

Jun 27: England vs Pakistan (20:00)

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally approached the International Hockey Federation (FIH), requesting an extension of the deadline for Pakistan’s participation in the Pro Hockey League.

The PHF Secretary, Rana Mujahid, has stated that there has been a positive response from several government ministries for Green Shirts’ participation in the marquee event.

“We have received positive signals from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, the Ministry of Finance, and the Pakistan Sports Board regarding support for Pakistan’s entry into the league.

“We are hopeful that the FIH will extend the deadline for Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League,” Mujahid added.

He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their support of Pakistan hockey.

“I am grateful to the Interior Minister for supporting Pakistan Hockey.  Mohsin Naqvi’s provision of medical and training facilities to the player is welcome,” he concluded.

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A month earlier, the Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the FIH to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints.

Consequently, the FIH gave PHF a deadline to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

For the unversed, the FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.

The team with the highest points at the end of the tournament is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.

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LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday met national hockey team captain Ammad Butt and assured full support for the national side’s participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League.

During the meeting, Butt highlighted the key challenges surrounding the revival of hockey in the country and briefed Naqvi on the team’s preparations for the league. Discussions also touched upon player welfare and rehabilitation.

Mohsin Naqvi termed Pakistan’s qualification for the Pro Hockey League an honour and stressed that he would take a proactive role in facilitating the team’s participation.

He also announced a reward of PKR one million for each player and guaranteed swift resolution of any visa-related issues.

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Meanwhile, the PCB’s medical team has been tasked with handling players’ fitness and injury concerns, while its logistics team will provide complete operational support.

On the occasion, Ammad Butt also congratulated Mohsin Naqvi on receiving the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz award.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Tariq Bugti had earlier disclosed that the federation had sought an extension from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to confirm the national team’s participation in the Pro League.

It is worth mentioning that last month, the FIH formally invited Pakistan to feature in the Pro League after New Zealand, despite winning the Nations Cup, pulled out of the competition.

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LAUSANNE: The Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Wednesday to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints. Consequently, the FIH has given the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) a deadline of August 12 to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

Pakistan, the runner-up of the Nations Cup 2025—an event that serves as a qualifier for the Pro League —is set to participate in the prestigious event. The FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.

The team with the highest points at the end of the season is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.

“After New Zealand notified the FIH of their decision not to participate in the next FIH Hockey Pro League Men’s season, FIH has, in accordance with the regulations, extended an invitation to the Nations Cup runners-up, namely Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition,” the official statement read.

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Earlier, it was reported that Hockey New Zealand has officially withdrawn from the League, citing financial difficulties as the primary reason.

The FIH had reportedly given New Zealand a deadline of July 21 to confirm their participation, but the Kiwis opted out before the cutoff date, informing the federation that budget cuts for the ongoing Olympic cycle had forced them to make tough calls.

This isn’t the first financial blow for New Zealand hockey; their women’s team had also been withdrawn from the Pro League earlier for similar reasons.

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Pakistan could be in line for a return to top-tier international competition, with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) expected to offer them a spot in the upcoming Pro League following New Zealand’s withdrawal.

According to multiple media reports, Hockey New Zealand has officially pulled out of the Pro League, citing financial difficulties as the main reason.

The FIH had reportedly given New Zealand a deadline of July 21 to confirm their participation, but the Kiwis opted out before the cutoff date, informing the federation that budget cuts for the ongoing Olympic cycle had forced them to make tough calls.

This isn’t the first financial blow for New Zealand hockey; their women’s team had also been withdrawn from the Pro League earlier for similar reasons.

With New Zealand out, attention has turned to Pakistan hockey team, who finished as runners-up in the recent FIH Nations Cup and are next in line for promotion to the Pro League.

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However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) says they have not yet received any official word from the FIH.

“We haven’t been formally informed about New Zealand’s withdrawal yet,” PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid said.

“If FIH contacts us, they are likely to give us some time to decide.”

However, Mujahid admitted that funding remains a major concern.

“Participation in the Pro League will require significant financial backing. We’ve already briefed the Government of Pakistan on the situation,” he added.

If Pakistan declines the offer due to financial or logistical constraints, France may emerge as the next potential candidate to take the vacant slot.

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