Category: Hockey

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.

READ: Pakistan likely to get Pro League spot after New Zealand pullout

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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DAZHOU: Japan secured a 3-0 victory over the Pakistan hockey team to clinch the U-18 Asia Cup title here at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre on Sunday.

Japan ended Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament with a dominant display in the final. The winning team kept the Greens at bay from the nets throughout the four quarters of the game.

Both teams fought hard but were unable to score in the opening quarter of the game. However, Japan took the lead with Yuma Fujiwara scoring goals in the 22nd and 38th minutes of the game.

 

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Japan further capitalized on the lead over the Pakistan Hockey team in the 49th minute of the match when Tatsuaki Yasui converted a penalty corner to send the ball into the nets.

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Earlier, the Pakistan hockey team secured their place in the semi-finals of the U-18 Asia Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Malaysia, continuing their unbeaten streak in the tournament until the final.

The Green Shirts’ journey in the Asia Cup started dominantly with crushing victories against Hong Kong (8-0), Bangladesh (6-3), Sri Lanka (9-0), and China (2-1).

For the unversed, the loss against Japan marks the second for the Pakistan hockey team in a month’s time. Pakistan also suffered a defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the FIH Nations Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June 2025.

Pakistan Hockey Squad for U-18 Asia Cup

Mohammad Usman, Atif Ali, Asam Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Lateef, Mohammad Yaseen, Mohammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hamzad, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Mohammad Zaman, Mohammad Hussain, Mohammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, Yaseen Jamshaid

Team management: Shafqat Malik (manager): Mukhtar Ahmed, Touseeq Ahmed, Masood-ur-Rahman (coaches)

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The Government of Pakistan is reportedly considering withdrawing its national hockey team from the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in India, citing growing political tensions and serious security concerns for its players.

According to government sources, the decision stems from what they describe as a “hostile and unsafe environment” being created across the border, particularly through Indian media and extremist groups that have allegedly issued direct threats to Pakistani athletes on social media.

Despite Pakistan’s longstanding policy of keeping sports and politics separate, officials say the situation has been exacerbated by India’s approach, which they believe has “politicised” the sporting landscape.

“Indian media is running a relentless smear campaign against Pakistan, and players are being openly threatened online by extremist groups,” said a government source familiar with the development.

The source also pointed fingers at right-wing organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), claiming their close ties with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have amplified the security risks.

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“Given the current geopolitical climate and the rising risks to player safety, sending the team to India is simply not a viable option,” the source added.

Sources added that initial reports from India had indicated that the Pakistan hockey team had been granted permission to participate.

However, the tone in Indian media coverage allegedly shifted soon after, raising further doubts over the team’s safety.

“It’s unfortunate,” the official said.

“Despite Pakistan’s efforts to keep sports above politics, India has repeatedly politicised sporting events. In this environment, the safety and dignity of our athletes cannot be assured.”

The Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7.

An official confirmation from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) or the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) regarding participation is still awaited.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, lauded the Pakistan Hockey team for reaching the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup final on Friday.

Pakistan continued their unbeaten run in the tournament, emerging victorious in a narrowly contested semi-final. During the regular time, neither team could score a goal despite multiple attempts.

The outcome of the high-stakes encounter was decided on shootouts, where Green Shirts netted four goals and missed one. In contrast, Malaysia managed only three goals while missing two crucial chances to advance in the final.

This was Pakistan’s fifth consecutive win in the tournament, having previously defeated Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong dominantly.

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Pakistan will now face Japan in the final of the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup, set to be played on Sunday.

Mohsin Naqvi praised the hockey team for their unity and coordination in the semi-final.

“Pakistan Under-18 hockey team reached the final after demonstrating excellent play, said the board chairman. “The players demonstrated exceptional teamwork and coordination,” he noted.

Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the team captain, coaches, and management on the achievement, expressing hope that Pakistan would come home with the winning trophy.

“The players have showcased remarkable performances throughout the tournament. I am confident that the U18 team will bring home the Asia Cup title,” he concluded.

Pakistan Hockey Squad for U-18 Asia Cup

Mohammad Usman, Atif Ali, Asam Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Lateef, Mohammad Yaseen, Mohammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hamzad, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Mohammad Zaman, Mohammad Hussain, Mohammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, Yaseen Jamshaid

Team management

Shafqat Malik (manager): Mukhtar Ahmed, Touseeq Ahmed, Masood-ur-Rahman (coaches)

READ: Pakistan edge past Malaysia to reach U-18 Hockey Asia Cup final

DAZHOU: Pakistan eased past China with a 2-1 victory in the group stage fixture of the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup to seal a spot in the semi-final here at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre on Wednesday.

Green Shirts continued their unbeaten run in the tournament after displaying sheer dominance in the previously completed games.

Pakistan started the match in emphatic fashion, scoring a goal in the 11th minute thanks to Hassan Shehbaz’s brilliance.

Despite a thrilling second quarter that saw a total of four penalties awarded to each team, the score held steady at 1-0. Green Shirts netted a goal in the third quarter to take a decisive lead in the match.

Meanwhile, the hosts did make a comeback in the same minute as Jiaxing Lin scored a much-needed goal on a penalty corner.

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China made a valiant effort to score another goal and level the match, but their attempts were thwarted by goalkeeper Ghulam Mustafa, who ensured the scoreline remained intact.

The win continued Pakistan’s dominant winning run in the tournament, securing their position at the top of Group A with 12 points.

Earlier, defeated Bangladesh 6-3, Sri Lanka 9-0 and crushed Hong Kong 8-0 to mark the beginning of the campaign in a dominant fashion.

The Men in Green will now face Malaysia in the semi-final on Friday at the same venue.

The U18 Hockey Asia Cup, held in China from July 3 to July 13, features teams from 11 nations. The teams include China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

Pakistan has been placed in Pool A alongside China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

Pakistan Hockey Squad for U-18 Asia Cup

Mohammad Usman, Atif Ali, Asam Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Lateef, Mohammad Yaseen, Mohammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hamzad, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Mohammad Zaman, Mohammad Hussain, Mohammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, Yaseen Jamshaid

Team management

Shafqat Malik (manager); Mukhtar Ahmed, Touseeq Ahmed, Masood-ur-Rahman (coaches)

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