Category: Hockey

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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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)

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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.

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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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