Category: Hockey

CHINA: Pakistan hockey team defeated Bangladesh 6-3 in a group-stage fixture of the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup here at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre on Tuesday.

The victory marked the Green Shirts’ third consecutive win, resulting in a top position in Group A with nine points from three matches.

Both teams were equally good in the first half of the match, with the score level at 3-3 goals. However, Pakistan turned the tide with aggressive play in the last two-quarters of the game.

The Men in Green scored three more goals, showcasing their dominance while keeping Bangladesh away from the nets.

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For Pakistan, Abdullah Awan and Hanzala Ali were stand-out players, scoring two goals each. Overall, Pakistan has scored 23 goals in the tournament while conceding three.

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

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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The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the team and officials for the Under-18 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to commence in China on July 3.

The officials include Olympian Malik Shafqat as team manager, with Mukhtar Ahmed, Toufeeq Ahmed, and Masood ur Rehman as coaches. Abu Zar Umrao will serve as the video analyst, while Adeel Akhtar has been named as the team physiotherapist.

Following the announcement, the President of the PHF, Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti, and Secretary General, Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali Khan, extended heartfelt wishes to the team.

The Pakistan hockey team is set to depart for China on June 30 to participate in the U18 Asia Hockey Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from July 3 to July 13 in Dazhou, China.

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The final squad was selected on merit following open trials held at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium from June 11 to June 13, which saw participation from talented young players across the country.

The tournament includes 11 teams: Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

Pakistan’s hockey team is placed in Pool A with Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

The matches of the tournament will take place at Dazhou City, located in Sichuan province. The city will host this scale of event for the first time, and preparations are already underway for world-class facilities.

Pakistan Squad for Under-18 Asia Cup

Muhammad Usman, Atif Ali, Usama Haider, Muhammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Latif, Muhammad Yaseen, Muhammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hamzada, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Muhammad Zaman, Muhammad Hussain, Muhammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, and Yaseen Jamshaid.

Pakistan Team Officials

Shafqat Muhammad (Team Manager), Ahmad Mukhtar (Head Coach), Masood (Assistant Coach), Arshad Toseeq (Assistant Coach), Akhtar Adeel (Physiotherapist), Umrao Syed (Video Technician)

READ: Sri Lanka spinners leave Bangladesh on verge of crushing defeat

The Pakistan hockey team’s participation in the upcoming FIH Pro League hangs in the balance due to severe financial constraints, despite receiving an official invitation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The FIH extended the invitation to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following New Zealand’s withdrawal from the league’s upcoming edition.

New Zealand, who secured their Pro League qualification by winning the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, have reportedly pulled out due to undisclosed reasons.

As runners-up of that tournament, Pakistan have now been offered a spot in the elite league.

However, the PHF is reportedly facing a major hurdle as the estimated cost of participation exceeds Rs 500 million, and the federation currently lacks the financial resources to proceed.

The PHF has been requested to submit its initial response to the FIH by Friday, June 27.

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If the federation confirms its participation but fails to meet its financial commitments, it may face penalties and possible sanctions from the international governing body.

The development comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan hockey, with the Pro League offering a golden opportunity to regain lost ground on the international stage.

The national team, currently ranked 17th in the world, has not featured in recent editions of the Pro League, a key factor behind its slide in the global rankings.

The next edition of the FIH Pro League is scheduled to begin in February 2026.

A formal confirmation from the FIH regarding Pakistan’s inclusion is expected in the coming days, but unless emergency funding is arranged, the country’s long-awaited return to top-tier international hockey may be in jeopardy.

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The Pakistan hockey team has reportedly been invited to participate in the upcoming season of the FIH Pro League after New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.

According to the sources, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) reached out to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) with a formal invitation, opening the door for the Men in Green to feature in the prestigious global event.

This marks a significant opportunity for Pakistan to climb the international rankings and re-establish its presence on the world stage.

New Zealand had earlier secured qualification for the Hockey Pro League by defeating Pakistan in the final of the FIH Nations Cup held in Malaysia.

However, with the Black Sticks pulling out, Pakistan have now been offered their spot.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s recent campaign at the FIH Nations Cup ended on a bittersweet note, as they finished runners-up after a 6-2 defeat to New Zealand in the final.

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Despite a strong start to the tournament, the Pakistan hockey team were outplayed in the title clash.

New Zealand had two early goals disallowed but eventually broke through in the sixth minute via a penalty corner from Scott Cosslett. Sam Hiha added another just before the first quarter ended.

The Kiwis then tightened their grip in the second quarter, adding three more goals through Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to take a 5-0 lead into half-time.

The Pakistan hockey team mounted a fleeting resurgence in the third quarter, spurred on by a striking goal from Zikriya Hayat that momentarily ignited hopes for a turnaround.

However, their struggles became evident as they failed to capitalise on five crucial penalty corners, a missed opportunity that ultimately proved costly.

Cosslett added his second of the night in the final quarter to make it 6-1, before Sufyan Khan scored a late consolation.

READ: Pakistan captain Ammad Butt declines PSB luncheon over THIS reason

Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has turned down an invitation to a luncheon hosted by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), citing insufficient travel expenses provided by the board.

The PSB had allotted a meagre Rs 5600 for Butt’s travel to Islamabad for the event.

However, the skipper refused to attend, stating the amount was inadequate even to cover the basic travel costs.

“This amount barely covers the toll expenses,” Ammad remarked while declining the invitation.

The luncheon was organised to honour athletes from various disciplines, with six members of the national hockey team among those invited.

Other than Ammad Butt, hockey team members Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah, Muneeb ur Rehman, and Hannan Shahid were also invited to the event.

Top athletes from other sports were also on the guest list, including Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and Commonwealth Games gold-medalist weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt.

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It is worth noting that the Pakistan hockey team recently returned from Malaysia after finishing as runners-up in the FIH Nations Cup, where they lost the final 6-2 to New Zealand.

New Zealand produced a clinical display to outclass Pakistan in the title clash. Despite having two early goals disallowed, the Black Sticks found the net in the sixth minute through a penalty corner conversion by Scott Cosslett.

Sam Hiha then doubled the lead just before the end of the first quarter.

The Kiwis turned up the heat in the second quarter, adding three more goals via Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to head into half-time with a commanding 5-0 lead.

Pakistan showed signs of a fightback in the third quarter, with Zikriya Hayat scoring their first goal. However, despite earning five penalty corners in that phase, they couldn’t convert further chances.

Cosslett struck again in the final quarter to make it 6-1 before Sufyan Khan pulled one back with a penalty corner conversion, but it was too little, too late.

New Zealand walked away with the FIH Nations Cup trophy, denying Pakistan a fairytale finish.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt delivered an emotional message following his team’s 6-2 defeat to New Zealand in the final of the FIH Nations Cup 2024, held at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

New Zealand produced a clinical display to outclass Pakistan in the title clash. Despite having two early goals disallowed, the Black Sticks found the net in the sixth minute through a penalty corner conversion by Scott Cosslett.

Sam Hiha then doubled the lead just before the end of the first quarter.

The Kiwis turned up the heat in the second quarter, adding three more goals via Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to head into half-time with a commanding 5-0 lead.

Pakistan showed signs of a fightback in the third quarter, with Zikriya Hayat scoring their first goal. However, despite earning five penalty corners in that phase, they couldn’t convert further chances.

Cosslett struck again in the final quarter to make it 6-1 before Sufyan Khan pulled one back with a penalty corner conversion, but it was too little, too late.

New Zealand walked away with the FIH Nations Cup trophy, denying Pakistan a fairytale finish.

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Following the match, Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt, took to Instagram and expressed immense pride in the team’s journey.

“We didn’t lose. We won hearts. We brought hockey back to life,” he wrote. “After 11 long years, reaching the final was not just a milestone — it was a message: Pakistan is rising again.”

“This silver medal is not a defeat. It’s a symbol of hope, belief, and revival. A reminder that we are moving forward, and the dream is alive.”

Ammad also emphasised that the final loss does not mark the end but a new beginning.

“Yes, the trophy slipped away today, but the fire within us burns brighter than ever. We are not far from the day we bring it home, InShaAllah,” he added.

“This is not the end. It is just the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan hockey. To the team — on and off the field — thank you for your heart, your unity, and your fight.”

He also thanked the nation for its support and prayers during the tournament, while stressing that the hockey team will keep fighting and giving their best.

“To the nation, your prayers and support kept us going. This moment belongs to all of us,” Ammad Butt stated.

“We will keep going. We will keep fighting. And we will fight till the very last breath. The journey continues. The dream lives on. Pakistan Zindabad.”

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KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Ammad Butt has called on the nation for prayers and support ahead of the FIH Nations Cup final against New Zealand, set to be played here on Saturday.

In a heartfelt video message, Ammad praised his team’s spirited semi-final performance and described their hard-fought victory over France as one to remember.

“The semi-final was memorable. And by the will of Almighty Allah, the way my team performed, I do not know in which words I should describe that,” said Butt.

The skipper took a moment to extend his congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, acknowledging their support and contributions to the sport.

“I would like to congratulate Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, who contributed a lot to our success,” he added.

“And I congratulate the entire nation that stood behind us and prayed for our success.”

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With a spot in the FIH Pro League on the line, Ammad Butt made a passionate appeal to the public.

“I request the entire nation to pray for tomorrow’s match as well so that my team win the Nations Cup and dedicate this victory to Pakistan and qualify for the Pro League,” he concluded.

Pakistan booked their place in the final after edging past France 3-2 in a nerve-racking penalty shootout, following a 3-3 stalemate in regulation time.

Goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman emerged as the hero of the night, saving three crucial French attempts, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz converted their penalties.

For the unversed, the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to the host nation, Malaysia.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday; however, they were eliminated because Pakistan scored nine goals in their three matches, while Malaysia scored eight.

WATCH: Pakistan hockey player Hannan Shahid bursts into tears after reaching the Nations Cup Final

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has praised the national hockey team on reaching the final of the Nations Cup held in Malaysia. 

Naqvi praised the Green Shirts for demonstrating an outstanding performance following the nail-biting victory against France.

“Pakistani players have defeated France through teamwork to reach the final. Their brilliant performance is commendable,” Mohsin Naqvi stated.

“Along with the players, I would also like to congratulate the team management. Every player gave his best on the field,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

The PCB chair expressed optimism that the Pakistan hockey team would clinch the Nations Cup title.

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“Apart from sports, Pakistan is receiving good news from every department. Hopefully, the Pakistani hockey team will win the final as well and return home after winning the tournament,” he concluded.

It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan defeated France in a 3-2 penalty shootout, courtesy of goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz.

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final, set to be played tomorrow.

The all-important semi-final started with both teams trying hard in the first quarter to score a goal.  France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

The second quarter began with a similar scoreline, as France and Pakistan both battled to calm their nerves. However, France managed to score the first goal courtesy of Smenjaud Xavier’s deflection.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan hockey player Hannan Shahid bursts into tears after reaching nations cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team player Hannan Shahid became emotional following the Green Shirts’ qualification for the Nations Cup final here at the National Stadium on Friday.

Hannan Shahid was seen embracing Abdul Rehman in a video posted on the national team’s social media page.

Pakistan defeated France in a 3-2 penalty shootout, courtesy of goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz. Overall, the Green Shirts have scored 12 goals in four matches.

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final, set to be played tomorrow.

The intense match started with both teams trying hard in the first quarter to score a goal.  France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

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The second quarter began with a similar scoreline, as France and Pakistan both battled to calm their nerves. However, France managed to score the first goal courtesy of Smenjaud Xavier’s deflection.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

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For the unversed, the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to the host nation, Malaysia.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday; however, they were eliminated because Pakistan scored nine goals in their three matches, while Malaysia scored eight.

On the same day, the New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3, sealing a semi-final spot.

READ: Pakistan defeat France in penalty thriller in Nations Hockey Cup semi-final

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan team defeated France on a penalty shootout in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup here at the National Stadium on Friday.

The thrilling match ended in a 3-2 victory for the Green Shirts, as France missed out on three chances to score in the shootout.

For Pakistan, Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz scored goals to clinch a memorable win.

In the first quarter of the match, neither team managed to score a goal, despite putting in a strong effort to get the ball into the net. France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

 

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The second quarter featured a similar situation with France and Pakistan looking to open their account in the all-important semi-final. However, France drew the first blood with Smenjaud Xavier giving his team the lead, deflecting the ball into the post.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of  3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

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For the unversed, the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to the host nation, Malaysia.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday; however, they were eliminated because Pakistan scored nine goals in their three matches, while Malaysia scored eight.

On the same day, the New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3, sealing a semi-final spot.

Pakistan held a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett scored two goals to level the match.

The tension escalated in the final quarter as both teams aimed to secure a victory. In a decisive moment, Scott Cosslett found the back of the net again, delivering a thrilling win for New Zealand.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan began their Nations Hockey Cup campaign with a 3-3 draw against Malaysia, followed by a convincing victory over Japan.

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