Category: Hockey

CHENNAI: Pakistan hockey team sustained a big blow ahead of the clash against China in the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy as Muhammad Abdullah’s participation in the match is in doubt due to ailment.

According to the national team’s coach, Olympian Muhammad Saqlain told that Muhammad Abdullah complained of a high fever, and was subsequently admitted to a local hospital here.

However, after remaining under observation for a few hours, doctors revealed that Abdullah’s health status is improving and he will be discharged in the evening.

Pakistan’s team is yet to win a single game in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023, as they drew 3-3 against Japan yesterday.

Japan had the upper hand until the final minutes of the game, however, Pakistan’s Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty stroke in the last five minutes to draw the game.

Pakistan started the match on a high with a goal in the 9th minute but only for Japan to equalize in the 13th minute. But Pakistan took the lead again, just minutes before halftime.

Japan came with renewed energy in the second half and kept creating chances until they scored one to equalize.

Japan, filled with one momentum, extended their dominance and took the lead with another goal.

Japan’s 3-2 advantage lasted until Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty just minutes before the final whistle.

Pakistan’s last game also ended in a 1-1 draw against South Korea. They had the lead early on, but couldn’t hold on to it for long as South Korea scored in the 53rd minute.

This is the 7th edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. Pakistan have won the tournament in 2012 and 2013, while India have won in 2011 and 2016.

The 2018 edition saw Pakistan and India jointly sharing the trophy as the final was forfeited due to persistent rain.

Defending champions South Korea won the tournament in 2021 after thumping Japan on penalties.

Green Shirts will face China, today, while their clash with arch-rivals India is scheduled on August 9.

READ: Pakistan’s squad for Hockey Asian Champions Trophy announced

CHENNAI: Pakistan hockey team remained winless in the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy after their hard-fought match against Japan drew at 3-3.

Japan had the upper hand until the final minutes of the game, however, Pakistan’s Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty stroke in the last five minutes to draw the game.

Pakistan started the match on a high with a goal in the 9th minute but only for Japan to equalize in the 13th minute. But Pakistan took the lead again, just minutes before halftime.

Japan came with renewed energy in the second half and kept creating chances until they scored one to equalize.

Japan, filled with one momentum, extended their dominance and took the lead with another goal.

Japan’s 3-2 advantage lasted until Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty just minutes before the final whistle.

Pakistan’s last game also ended in a 1-1 draw against South Korea. They had the lead early on, but couldn’t hold on to it for long as South Korea scored in the 53rd minute.

This is the 7th edition of the Asian Champions Trophy. Pakistan have won the tournament in 2012 and 2013, while India have won in 2011 and 2016.

The 2018 edition saw Pakistan and India jointly sharing the trophy as the final was forfeited due to persistent rain.

Defending champions South Korea won the tournament in 2021 after thumping Japan on penalties.

Green Shirts will face China, and India in their next fixtures on August 7 and 9 respectively.

READ: Korea hold Pakistan for a 1-1 draw in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

CHENNAI: Pakistan team extended their winless streak in the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, as they drew 1-1 against defending champions South Korea here on Friday.

Pakistan started off well with Hanan Shahid’s field goal in the 18th minute, however, South Korea equalized in the 53rd minute, courtesy of a penalty stroke by Jihun Yang.

Both teams battled hard until the final whistle but couldn’t score a tie-breaker.

Previously, Pakistan was handed a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Malaysia 3-1 in their first game.

Pakistan, alongside India, are the most successful side of the tournament, having won the title thrice. Pakistan won the tournament in 2012 and 2013, while India won in 2011 and 2016.

The 2018 edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy saw Pakistan and India jointly sharing the trophy as the final was forfeited due to persistent rain.

Meanwhile, South Korea are participating in the ongoing tournament as the defending champions, winning the previous edition of the tournament in 2021.

Green Shirts now face Japan and China in their next fixtures on August 6 and 7 respectively.

The green shirts will then lock horns with arch-rivals India in their last round fixture on August 9.

Pakistan squad for Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

Muhammad Umar Bhatta (c), Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtsham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (Vice Captain), Roman, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqoob, Muhammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz, Abdul Rahman, while the standby includes Ali Raza, Muhammad Baqir, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Abdul Wahab, Waqar Ali, Muhammad Arsalan and Abdul Qayyum.

Pakistan’s remaining matches schedule

August 6 – vs Japan
August 7 – vs China
August 9 – vs India

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Pakistan men’s team reached India on Tuesday to partake in the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, scheduled to commence on August 3.

According to the details, the national team will travel to Amritsar via Wagah Border before flying out to Delhi and then Chennai where the continental event will take place.

Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) last week, issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the national men’s Hockey team to partake in the tournament.

Last month, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selection committee unveiled an 18-member squad for the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

The 18-member squad with seven stand-by players were finalised after the conclusion of two-day trials and was approved by PHF President Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar.

Umar Bhutta will continue to lead the national men’s hockey team while Abdul Waheed Ashraf will serve as his deputy in the Asian Champions Trophy.

The recently-announced squad includes Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtisham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (vc), Muhammad Umar Bhatta (c), Roman, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqub, Muhammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz and Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Ali Raza, Muhammad Baqir, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Abdul Wahab, Waqar Ali, Muhammad Arsalan and Abdul Qayyum have been included in the stand-by players’ list.

Last month, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

As per the statement released by the AHF, the six-team tournament will run from August 3 to 12 in Chennai.

The tournament will begin with Korea and Japan playing the first game, while hosts, India will play the third game of the opening day when they take on China.

The six-team tournament will see Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China, and India battle it out for top honours. All the participating teams are placed in one pool and the positions on the points table will be decided by a league system.

Pakistan will start their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy campaign against Malaysia on August 3 before taking on Korea on August 4, Japan on August 6 and China on August 7.

The green shirts will then lock horns with arch-rivals India in their last round fixture on August 9.

The final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be held on August 12.

Notably, Pakistan and India are the most successful sides of the tournament, having won the title thrice each while Korea will participate in the upcoming edition as the defending champions, who won the previous edition in 2021.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Thursday, issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the national men’s Hockey team to partake in the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in Chennai, India.

According to the details, the national men’s hockey team has already received the visa for India and will now travel to the neighbouring country on July 31.

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selection committee unveiled an 18-member squad for the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

According to the details, the 18-member squad with seven stand-by players were finalised after the conclusion of two-day trials and was approved by PHF President Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar.

Umar Bhutta will continue to lead the national men’s hockey team while Abdul Waheed Ashraf will serve as his deputy in the Asian Champions Trophy.

The recently-announced squad includes Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtisham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (vc), Muhammad Umar Bhatta (c), Roman, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqub, Muhammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz and Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Ali Raza, Muhammad Baqir, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Abdul Wahab, Waqar Ali, Muhammad Arsalan and Abdul Qayyum have been included in the stand-by players’ list.

Last month, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

As per the statement released by the AHF, the six-team tournament will run from August 3 to 12 in Chennai.

The tournament will begin with Korea and Japan playing the first game, while hosts, India will play the third game of the opening day when they take on China.

The six-team tournament will see Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China, and India battle it out for top honours. All the participating teams are placed in one pool and the positions on the points table will be decided by a league system.

Pakistan will start their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy campaign against Malaysia on August 3 before taking on Korea on August 4, Japan on August 6 and China on August 7.

The green shirts will then lock horns with arch-rivals India in their last round fixture on August 9.

The final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be held on August 12.

Notably, Pakistan and India are the most successful sides of the tournament, having won the title thrice each while Korea will participate in the upcoming edition as the defending champions, who won the previous edition in 2021.

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LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) selection committee on Friday, unveiled an 18-member squad for the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from August 3 to 12 in Chennai, India.

According to the details, the 18-member squad with seven stand-by players were finalised after the conclusion of two-day trials and was approved by PHF President Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokhar.

Umar Bhutta will continue to lead the national men’s hockey team while Abdul Waheed Ashraf will serve as his deputy in the Asian Champions Trophy.

The recently-announced squad includes Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtisham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (vc), Muhammad Umar Bhatta (c), Roman, Muhammad Murtaza Yaqub, Muhammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz and Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Ali Raza, Muhammad Baqir, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Abdul Wahab, Waqar Ali, Muhammad Arsalan and Abdul Qayyum have been included in the stand-by players’ list.

Last month, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

As per the statement released by the AHF, the six-team tournament will run from August 3 to 12 in Chennai.

The tournament will begin with Korea and Japan playing the first game, while hosts, India will play the third game of the opening day when they take on China.

The six-team tournament will see Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China, and India battle it out for top honours. All the participating teams are placed in one pool and the positions on the points table will be decided by a league system.

Pakistan will start their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy campaign against Malaysia on August 3 before taking on Korea on August 4, Japan on August 6 and China on August 7.

The green shirts will then lock horns with arch-rivals India in their last round fixture on August 9.

The final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be held on August 12.

Notably, Pakistan and India are the most successful sides of the tournament, having won the title thrice each while Korea will participate in the upcoming edition as the defending champions, who won the previous edition in 2021.

The training camp of the shortlisted players for the national team to participate in the upcoming edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy was held at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore.

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LAUSANNE: Pakistan, alongside Spain and China will co-host the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from 13 to 21 January 2024, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed on Monday.

As per the statement released by the FIH, China and Spain will co-host the Women’s Qualifiers while Pakistan and Spain will co-host the Men’s tournament.

Each tournament will consist of eight teams – 16 teams per gender in total. The Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers will feature four teams from Asia, eight from Europe, one from Oceania and three from Pan America.

The Men’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, on the other hand, will feature one team each from Africa and Oceania, five from Asia, seven from Europe and two from Pan America.

“The teams filling each quota, and therefore invited to participate, will be based on their performance at the Continental Championships taking place in 2023,” said FIH in a statement.

“The top 3 teams in each of these FIH Hockey Olympic Qualification Tournaments will qualify for Paris 2024. They will join hosts France as well as the winners of each Continental Championship (African Hockey Road to Paris, Pan American Games, Asian Games, EuroHockey Championship and Oceania Cup),” the statement added.

Notably, the Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 will mark Pakistan hosting its first FIH event since 2004.

Reacting to obtaining the hosting rights of the Paris Olympics Qualifiers, Secretary General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation Syed Haider Hussain termed it an honour for the country and vowed to host the event in a grand manner.

“It is an honour to host the FIH event,” said Hussain. This event will prove to be the stepping stone in the return of the golden era of hockey in Pakistan.

“We will host the event in a grand manner. We are hopeful that the fans fill in the stadiums just like they did in the 1990 World Cup,” he concluded.

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on Friday, unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

As per the statement released by the AHF, the six-team tournament will run from  August 3 to 12 in Chennai.

The tournament will begin with Korea and Japan playing the first game, while hosts, India will play the third game of the opening day when they take on China.

The six-team tournament will see Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China, and India battle it out for top honours. All the participating teams are placed in one pool and the positions on the points table will be decided by a league system.

Pakistan will start their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy campaign against Malaysia on August 3 before taking on Korea on August 4, Japan on August 6 and China on August 7.

The green shirts will then lock horns with arch-rivals India in their last round fixture on August 9.

The final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will be held on August 12.

Notably, Pakistan and India are the most successful sides of the tournament, having won the title thrice each while Korea will participate in the upcoming edition as the defending champions, who won the previous edition in 2021.

Notably, the training camp of the shortlisted players for the national team to participate in the upcoming edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is currently underway at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore.

Earlier, the junior national hockey team participated in the Asia Cup where they reached the final.

Pakistan finished as the runners-up of the Junior Hockey Asia Cup after falling to a 1-2 defeat against arch-rivals India in the blockbuster final.

Heading into the blockbuster final, both India and Pakistan were unbeaten in the continental event.

The arch-rivals have so far come face to face in four Junior Hockey Asia Cup finals with India winning on three occasions – 2004, 08 and 23 – while the green shirts emerged victorious once in 1996.

Furthermore, before this year’s tournament both Pakistan were level as the joint-most title-winning sides (3) but India’s latest title victory propelled them to the record title holder of the Asian event.

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KARACHI: Head coach Haneef Khan, alongside three players of the Pakistan Junior Hockey team returned to the country on Saturday after participating in the recently-concluded Asia Cup.

Besides coach Haneef, three players of Pakistan Junior Hockey team Abdul Wahab, Arbaz Khan and Ayaz Ahmed also landed here at Jinnah International on Saturday afternoon.

The players received a warm welcome from the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) officials and their families at the airport. They also received garlands as a symbol of appreciation.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan finished as the runners-up of the Junior Hockey Asia Cup after falling for a 1-2 defeat against arch-rivals India in the blockbuster final.

Singh Angad Bir opened the scoring for India in the 12th minute via a brilliant field goal and gave his side an upper hand in the first quarter.

Hundal Araijeet Singh then doubled India’s lead just four minutes into the second quarter as Pakistan spilt a couple of opportunities to fire an equalizer.

The third quarter turned out to be a fortune changer for the green shirts as they finally registered a goal on the scoreboard, courtesy of a calculated field goal by Ali Basharat in the 37th minute.

Basharat’s goal forced India to be more defensive and they cordoned off their post to deny Pakistan any chance to fire the equalizer.

Pakistan made several attempts to breach India’s defences by dribbling past their defenders and awarded penalty corners but failed to fire the ball into the nets and thus India ran away with the victory.

Heading into the blockbuster final, both India and Pakistan were unbeaten in the continental event.

The arch-rivals have so far come face to face in four Junior Hockey Asia Cup finals with India winning on three occasions – 2004, 08 and 23 – while the green shirts emerged victorious once in 1996.

Furthermore, before this year’s tournament both Pakistan were level as the joint-most title-winning sides (3) but India’s latest title victory propelled them to the record title holder of the Asian event.

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SALALAH: Arch-rivals India edged Pakistan by the scoreline of 2-1 to lift the Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2023 title, which is their fourth overall.

Singh Angad Bir opened the scoring for India in the 12th minute via a brilliant field goal and gave his side an upper hand in the first quarter.

Hundal Araijeet Singh then doubled India’s lead just four minutes into the second quarter as Pakistan spilt a couple of opportunities to fire an equalizer.

The third quarter turned out to be a fortune changer for the green shirts as they finally registered a goal on the scoreboard, courtesy of a calculated field goal by Ali Basharat in the 37th minute.

Basharat’s goal forced India to be more defensive and they cordoned off their post to deny Pakistan any chance to fire the equalizer.

Pakistan made several attempts to breach India’s defences by dribbling past their defenders and awarded penalty corners but failed to fire the ball into the nets and thus India ran away with the victory.

Heading into the blockbuster final, both India and Pakistan were unbeaten in the continental event.

The arch-rivals have so far come face to face in four Junior Hockey Asia Cup finals with India winning on three occasions – 2004, 08 and 23 – while the green shirts emerged victorious once in 1996.

Furthermore, before this year’s tournament both Pakistan were level as the joint-most title-winning sides (3) but India’s latest title victory propelled them to the record title holder of the Asian event.

Notably, the arch-rivals also came face to face in the group stage but the enthralling contest failed to conclude a result as they settled for a 1-1 stalemate.

Playing at the Salalah Sports Complex, the Pakistan team defended the Indian attack quite brilliantly in the first quarter which ended without a goal despite men in blue enjoying the bulk of possession.

India took the lead via a penalty corner with Sharad Nand Tiwari flicking the ball in the net to help his team go 1-0 before halftime.

Pakistan, however, unleashed a counterattack in the third quarter and put the Indian defence under pressure.

India won a couple of penalty corners but failed to score. Pakistan, on the other hand, equalized through Ali Basharat, who netted from a close distance to make it 1-1.

The final quarter also witnessed a see-saw contest with both teams battling for a winning goal but the deadlock persisted till the final whistle.

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