Category: Hockey

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has publicly voiced his frustration over the lack of financial support, revealing that players have yet to receive their daily allowances despite reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Cup.

The Green Shirts booked their place in the semi-finals after finishing second in Pool B and are set to face France on June 20. New Zealand and Korea will contest the other semi-final.

Speaking on behalf of his teammates, Ammad raised a heartfelt concern that mirrors the long-standing struggle of Pakistan’s national sport.

“Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?” Ammad questioned, drawing a stark comparison between the country’s cricket obsession and the declining fortunes of hockey.

“Do our politicians care about the national sport? Do ministers take an interest in the game that once brought Olympic gold to this country? Businessmen spend crores on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there’s no budget,” he lamented.

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According to sources close to the team, the players have been in Malaysia for over 10 days without receiving their daily allowances, which are reportedly PKR 30,000 per day.

The issue goes beyond the current tour; the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also yet to clear payments for two recent training camps.

Players had requested partial payments before departing for Malaysia to manage basic expenses, but that plea, too, went unanswered.

“As players, our hearts ache,” Ammad Butt added. “We are still on the field, still fighting for the flag, but we cannot do it alone.”

“It is time for everyone, including the government, ministers, businesses, and citizens, to come together and revive the spirit of Pakistan Hockey before it is too late.”

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team has qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup, despite the hosts, Malaysia, emerging victorious against Japan here on Wednesday.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 win against Japan but was eliminated from the tournament due to goal difference and points with Pakistan.

The Green Shirts reached the semi-finals with nine goals while Malaysia scored eight in their three matches of the tournament.

The semi-finals of the event will take place on June 20th, with Pakistan facing France and New Zealand playing Korea.

On day three of the tournament, Malaysia dominated the game against Japan, leading with two goals till the third quarter. Sumantri Norsyafiq opened the account, scoring the opening goal in the last stage of the first quarter.

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In the second quarter, Azrai Abu Kamal fired another goal as Malaysia took a 2-0 lead with an eye on the final four spot. Japan put in a strong effort in the third quarter and earned plenty corners. However, solid Malaysian defence kept them away from the nets.

However, Yamasaki Koji dashed Malaysian hopes of qualifying for the semi-final with a goal in the penultimate half of the match.

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

Pakistan had a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett struck two goals, which levelled the scores.

The match became tense in the last quarter of the game as both teams sought to score a goal, but for Blackstick, it was Scott Cosslett again who scored the decisive goal, giving his team a thrilling victory.

Pakistan defeated Japan comprehensively, while the match with Malaysia ended in a draw.

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KUALA LUMPUR: The New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3 in the ongoing FIH Nations Cup 2025 here on Wednesday.

With three wins in three games, New Zealand secured top position in Pool B.

Pakistan had a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett struck two goals, which levelled the scores.

The match started with New Zealand Nic Woods scoring a goal in the first quarter; however, Pakistan fought back with Abdul Rehman scoring two vital goals, which brought his team into a dominant position.

Pakistan showed determination as New Zealand players were kept at bay for most of the second quarter. Meanwhile, Rana Waheed Ashraf struck another goal as the scorecard read 3-1.

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With this lead, the match was going Pakistan’s way, but the third quarter dashed Pakistan’s hopes of topping Pool B. New Zealand scored twice in the second-to-last quarter as the scores were level.

The match became tense in the last quarter of the game as both teams sought to score a goal, but for New Zealand, it was Scott Cosslett again who scored the decisive goal, giving his team a thrilling victory.

Earlier, Pakistan defeated Japan while the match with the hosts, Malaysia, ended in a draw. With four points, the Green Shirts now have ample chance to qualify for the semi-final of the Nations Cup.

Currently, Pakistan sits in second position in pool B with four points, while Malaysia will face Japan in the upcoming encounter.

Pakistan squad for FIH Nations Cup

Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zikriya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team defeated Japan 3-2 to register their first victory in the ongoing FIH Nations Cup 2025 here on Monday.

Pakistan took the lead in the first quarter when Ghazanfar Ali unleashed an electrifying strike that found the back of the net.

However, the response from Japan was swift and decisive; just a minute later, Kazumasa Matsumoto scored the equaliser.

Koji Yamasaki then deftly snatched the lead for Japan with a stunning goal, finishing the first quarter with a compelling score of 2-1 in their favour.

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Pakistan displayed tremendous grit and resilience in the second quarter, launching a series of aggressive attacks.

Despite their relentless efforts, breaking through Japan’s formidable defence proved to be a daunting task.

However, their perseverance finally bore fruit in the early moments of the third quarter, when Rana Waheed Ashraf found the net, igniting the hopes of the Pakistani team and levelling the score at 2-2.

Pakistan hockey team did not stop there as they continued their efforts to gain an advantage in the fourth quarter, and Sufyan Khan struck the match-winning goal for them eight minutes before the final whistle.

Pakistan squad for FIH Nations Cup

Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zikriya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan team was held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by hosts Malaysia in their opening match of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup here at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The match ended in a draw despite the Green Shirts maintaining a lead up to the third quarter.

Pakistan gained an advantage in the first quarter, netting two goals. The early scores came from Nadeem Ahmad and Rehman Abdul, setting a strong tone for the game.

The Green Shirts showed dominance until the third quarter, preventing the hosts from reaching the goal post.

 

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Malaysia staged a comeback in the fourth quarter with Saari Fitri and Azrai Abu Kamal scoring goals. With the game evenly poised, Pakistan’s Rana Waheed Ashraf added another goal, bringing the score to 3-2 in favour of his team.

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But Malayisa fought back again as Holan Syed scored another goal in the last phase of the game, which levelled the game.

Pakistan, placed in Pool B, will now face Japan tomorrow and New Zealand on June 18.

The FIH Nations Cup format includes initial pool matches, with the top teams advancing to the semi-finals on June 20. The final and bronze medal matches are scheduled for June 21.

The tournament features eight participating teams divided into two pools for the preliminary rounds. Pool A consists of France, Korea, South Africa, and Wales, while Pool B includes Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

On the opening day, all teams will compete, and as the week progresses, the tournament will transition to classification matches and medal rounds.

For the unversed, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup is a vital opportunity for teams looking to qualify for the esteemed FIH Hockey Pro League. The champion of this tournament will gain promotion to the 2025–26 Pro League season.

Pakistan squad for Nations Cup:

Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.

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HULUNBUIR CITY: Jugraj Singh scored the only goal to help India clinch their fifth Asian Hockey Champions Trophy title after defeating China 1-0 at the Moqi Hockey Training Base on Tuesday.

Both teams battled hard, denying any advantage to the other side, however, Jugraj Singh found the net in the dying minutes of the game to secure India’s victory.

Notably, defending champions India walked into the final unbeaten in the tournament. They defeated South Korea 4-1 in the semi-final, thanks to skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s brace.

The Men in Blue had a dream start to the knockout clash as Uttam Singh opened the scoring for them in the first quarter.

The defending champions, fuelled with momentum, continued to attack South Korea’s defences and were rewarded in the second quarter when Harmanpreet Singh doubled their lead.

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The Men in Blue were even more ruthless in the third quarter.

Just two minutes into the third quarter, midfielder Sumit Walmiki made a sensational aerial switch to Jarmanpreet Singh, who brilliantly brought it down before smashing a stunning goal to make it 3-0 for India.

South Korea responded within a minute when Yang Jihun pulled one back but his strike eventually turned out to be solitary.

Harmanpreet once again breached Korea’s defence in the dying minutes of the third quarter and restored India’s lead to three goals.

The fourth quarter remained goalless despite several attempts from both sides.

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HULUNBUIR CITY: Sufyan Khan and Hanan Shahid scored a brace each and powered Pakistan to a crushing 5-2 victory over South Korea in the third-place match of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy here on Tuesday.

The Green Shirts did not get the desired start as Jung-Jun Lee gave a lead to South Korea in the 16th minute.

However, Sufyan Khan and Hanan Shahid scored two goals in quick succession to put Pakistan ahead of South Korea.

The scores were levelled a few minutes later, thanks to Jihun Yang before Rooman once again gave the lead to Pakistan.

Sufyan Khan and Hanan Shahid further extended Pakistan’s lead with a goal each to help Pakistan claim third position with a 5-2 victory.

During the semi-final, Pakistan suffered lost to China after a penalty shoot-out.

Pakistan and China both managed one goal each in the regular time after an intense battle, however, the Green Shirts failed to score a single penalty, leading to their ouster from the tournament.

China scored two goals in the penalty shoot-out to secure their place in the final.

For the unversed, Pakistan lost only one game in the group stages with arch-rivals India defeating them 2-1 in the final group match.

Pakistan started the blockbuster clash on a high as they took the lead just 10 minutes into the first quarter, courtesy of a precise assist from Hannan Shahid, who fed the ball inside the circle to Nadeem.

Nadeem effortlessly smashed the ball into the net to give Pakistan a head start.

Pakistan’s lead, however, was short-lived as India earned a penalty corner.

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India’s skipper Harmanpreet Singh took the penalty corner for India and successfully sent his drag-flick into the bottom-right corner, helping India equalise just a few minutes later.

The defending champions took the lead in the second quarter when Abhishek fed the ball to Harmanpreet near the circle, who similarly converted it into a goal.

The remaining two quarters of the blockbuster Asian Hockey Champions Trophy clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India remained goalless despite both sides making ferocious attacks on each other’s goalposts.

The 2-1 victory over Pakistan, meant India won all of their group-stage fixtures and topped the standings with 15 points. Whereas, Pakistan had two victories and as many draws before their defeat against India.

Remember, Pakistan have already qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 after thumping China 5-1 on Thursday.

Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan before Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid scored two goals each to secure a dominant 5-1 victory for the Green Shirts.

This is Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament as they defeated Japan 2-1 in their third game.

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HULUNBUIR CITY: China defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the penalty shoot-out during the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 semi-final clash here at the Moqi Hockey Training Base on Monday.

Pakistan and China both managed one goal each in the regular time after an intense battle, however, the Green Shirts failed to score a single penalty, leading to their ouster from the tournament.

The home side scored two goals in the penalty shoot-out to secure their place in the final.

For the unversed, Pakistan lost only one game in the group stages with arch-rivals India defeating them 2-1 in the final group match.

Pakistan started the blockbuster clash on a high as they took the lead just 10 minutes into the first quarter, courtesy of a precise assist from Hannan Shahid, who fed the ball inside the circle to Nadeem.

Nadeem effortlessly smashed the ball into the net to give Pakistan a head start.

Pakistan’s lead, however, was short-lived as India earned a penalty corner.

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India’s skipper Harmanpreet Singh took the penalty corner for India and successfully sent his drag-flick into the bottom-right corner, helping India equalise just a few minutes later.

The defending champions took the lead in the second quarter when Abhishek fed the ball to Harmanpreet near the circle, who similarly converted it into a goal.

The remaining two quarters of the blockbuster Asian Hockey Champions Trophy clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India remained goalless despite both sides making ferocious attacks on each other’s goalposts.

The 2-1 victory over Pakistan, meant India won all of their group-stage fixtures and topped the standings with 15 points. Whereas, Pakistan had two victories and as many draws before their defeat against India.

Remember, Pakistan have already qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 after thumping China 5-1 on Thursday.

Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan before Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid scored two goals each to secure a dominant 5-1 victory for the Green Shirts.

This is Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament as they defeated Japan 2-1 in their third game.

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HULUNBUIR CITY: Pakistan succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against arch-rivals India in the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 here at the Moqi Hockey Training Base on Saturday.

Pakistan started the blockbuster clash on a high as they took the lead just 10 minutes into the first quarter, courtesy of a precise assist from Hannan Shahid, who fed the ball inside the circle to Nadeem.

Nadeem effortlessly smashed the ball into the net to give Pakistan a head start.

Pakistan’s lead, however, was short-lived as India earned a penalty corner.

India’s skipper Harmanpreet Singh took the penalty corner for India and successfully sent his drag-flick into the bottom-right corner, helping India equalise just a few minutes later.

The defending champions took the lead in the second quarter when Abhishek fed the ball to Harmanpreet near the circle, who similarly converted it into a goal.

The remaining two quarters of the blockbuster Asian Hockey Champions Trophy clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India remained goalless despite both sides making ferocious attacks on each other’s goalposts.

The 2-1 victory over Pakistan, meant India won all of their group-stage fixtures and topped the standings with 15 points. Whereas, Pakistan had two victories and as many draws before their defeat against India.

Remember, Pakistan have already qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 after thumping China 5-1 on Thursday.

Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan before Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid scored two goals each to secure a dominant 5-1 victory for the Green Shirts.

This is Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament as they defeated Japan 2-1 yesterday after two drawn games.

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Ahmad Nadeem opened the scoring against Japan in the ninth minute after finding Shahid Hannan and sending the ball to the back of the net. Sufyan Khan soon doubled Pakistan’s lead in the 21st minute with a sublime drag flick.

However, Raiki Fujishima helped Japan make a subtle comeback six minutes later and reduced the deficit.

Japan made efforts to level the scores, but the Green Shirts’ dominant gameplay maintained their lead until the final hooter.

Prior to this game, Pakistan’s second fixture in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy ended in a 2-2 draw as they failed to defend their narrow one-goal lead in the final quarter against South Korea.

South Korea opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the second quarter, courtesy of Hyun Jigwang. Their lead remained intact until the third quarter and it appeared that Pakistan were closing in on their first defeat in the ongoing tournament.

The national team, however, made an astounding comeback as Shahid Hanan scored back-to-back last-minute goals to give the Green Shirts what appeared to be a decisive lead.

But just a few seconds before the final whistle, South Korea equalized through Kim Sunghyun and denied Pakistan a victory.

Pakistan tasted the same fortune in their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy opener against Malaysia. They started their campaign with a 2-2 draw despite dominating the majority of the match.

The Green Shirts started the game strongly, taking the lead in the second quarter, thanks to a goal by Sufyan Khan.

In the third quarter, Nadeem Ahmed extended their lead with another goal, before Malaysia made a comeback with a goal from the penalty corner.

Pakistan were cruising towards victory with a 2-1 lead, however, Aiman Rozemi’s late goal helped Malaysia level the scores in the dying minutes of the game.

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HULUNBUIR CITY: Pakistan qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 after thumping China 5-1 at the Moqi Hockey Training Base here on Thursday.

Abdul Rehman opened the scoring for Pakistan before Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid scored two goals each to secure a dominant 5-1 victory for the Green Shirts.

This is Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in the tournament as they defeated Japan 2-1 yesterday after two drawn games.

Ahmad Nadeem opened the scoring against Japan in the ninth minute after finding Shahid Hannan and sending the ball to the back of the net. Sufyan Khan soon doubled Pakistan’s lead in the 21st minute with a sublime drag flick.

However, Raiki Fujishima helped Japan make a subtle comeback six minutes later and reduced the deficit.

Japan made efforts to level the scores, but the Green Shirts’ dominant gameplay maintained their lead until the final hooter.

Prior to this game, Pakistan’s second fixture in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy ended in a 2-2 draw as they failed to defend their narrow one-goal lead in the final quarter against South Korea.

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South Korea opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the second quarter, courtesy of Hyun Jigwang. Their lead remained intact until the third quarter and it appeared that Pakistan were closing in on their first defeat in the ongoing tournament.

The national team, however, made an astounding comeback as Shahid Hanan scored back-to-back last-minute goals to give the Green Shirts what appeared to be a decisive lead.

But just a few seconds before the final whistle, South Korea equalized through Kim Sunghyun and denied Pakistan a victory.

Pakistan tasted the same fortune in their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy opener against Malaysia. They started their campaign with a 2-2 draw despite dominating the majority of the match.

The Green Shirts started the game strongly, taking the lead in the second quarter, thanks to a goal by Sufyan Khan.

In the third quarter, Nadeem Ahmed extended their lead with another goal, before Malaysia made a comeback with a goal from the penalty corner.

Pakistan were cruising towards victory with a 2-1 lead, however, Aiman Rozemi’s late goal helped Malaysia level the scores in the dying minutes of the game.

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