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Pakistan hockey captain urges nation to pray ahead of Nations Cup final

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 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.

READ: Pakistan hockey captain voices frustration amid allowance delay during Nations Cup

Pakistan defeat Japan to register first win in Nations Hockey Cup

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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Pakistan draw with Belgium to qualify for Junior World Cup quarter-final

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team registered a comeback draw against Belgium at Malaysia National Hockey Stadium to qualify for the quarter-final match of the ongoing Junior World Cup.

Belgium gained an early advantage with the first goal in the third minute to put the Pakistan team under pressure.

However, the Pakistan team made a resounding comeback in the third quarter with Arbaz Ahmad scoring from the penalty corner to level the scores.

Both teams battled hard to get the lead, but could not succeed as the scoreboard read 1-1 until the final whistle.

Pakistan will play their Junior Hockey World Cup quarter-final match against Spain.

The Pakistan hockey team kicked off their Junior World Cup campaign with an impressive draw against the Netherlands 3-3 on December 06.

The Netherlands started the game on high with two field goals in the 21st and 30th minutes to end the first half with a massive advantage over Pakistan.

Pakistan then decreased the deficit by one goal in the third quarter courtesy of midfielder Arshad Liaqat’s field goal to bring the scores down to 2-1.

The Green Shirts then earned a penalty in the 36th minute of the third quarter, which was successfully converted by Sufian Khan to level the scores.

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However, the Netherlands did not slow down and took the lead again in the 47th minute with a field goal by Olivier Hortensius.

Their lead did not last long as Pakistan’s Arbaz Ahmed helped his side level the scores with an equalizing penalty corner.

Pakistan team followed the first match draw with a thumping 4-0 victory over New Zealand courtesy of Arshad Liaqat’s hat-trick in the next match.

Pakistan started the game on high and earned an early advantage with a 19th-minute goal by Liaqat, who extended the lead further in the 30th minute.

Pakistan captain Abdul Hanan Shahid then scored their third goal two minutes later with a goal from a penalty corner.

Liaqat got on the scoresheet and completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute to keep the Green shirts in a commanding position until the final whistle.

Pakistan won the inaugural Junior World Cup in 1979 and then claimed bronze medals in the next three editions before getting a silver in the 1993 edition.

They have not been able to win any medal in the Junior World Cup since 1993 and finished at their lowest 11th position in the 2021 edition in Bhubaneswar, India.

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Liaqat’s hat-trick helps Pakistan thump New Zealand in Junior Hockey World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team registered a thumping 4-0 victory over New Zealand courtesy of Arshad Liaqat’s hat-trick in their second match in the ongoing Junior World Cup at Malaysia National Hockey Stadium.

Pakistan started the game on high and earned an early advantage with a 19th-minute goal by Liaqat, who extended the lead further in the 30th minute.

Pakistan captain Abdul Hanan Shahid then scored their third goal two minutes later with a goal from a penalty corner.

Liaqat got on the scoresheet and completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute to keep the Green shirts in a commanding position until the final whistle.

Pakistan will play their next Junior Hockey World Cup match against Belgium on 9th December.

Yesterday, the Pakistan hockey team kicked off their Junior World Cup campaign with an impressive draw against the Netherlands 3-3.

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The Netherlands started the game on high with two field goals in the 21st and 30th minutes by Boris Aardenburg and Casper van der Veen respectively to end the first half with a massive advantage over Pakistan.

Pakistan then decreased the deficit by one goal in the third quarter courtesy of midfielder Arshad Liaqat’s field goal to bring the scores down to 2-1.

The Green Shirts then earned a penalty in the 36th minute of the third quarter, which was successfully converted by Sufian Khan to level the scores.

However, the Netherlands did not slow down and took the lead again in the 47th minute with a field goal by Olivier Hortensius.

Their lead did not last long as Pakistan’s Arbaz Ahmed helped his side level the scores with an equalizing penalty corner.

Pakistan won the inaugural Junior World Cup in 1979 and then claimed bronze medals in the next three editions before getting a silver in the 1993 edition.

They have not been able to win any medal in the Junior World Cup since 1993 and finished at their lowest 11th position in the 2021 edition in Bhubaneswar, India.

READ: Prime Minister’s XI trail by 242 runs after Shan Masood’s double ton

Pakistan register comeback draw against Netherlands in Junior Hockey World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team kicked off their Junior World Cup campaign with an impressive draw against the Netherlands 3-3 on Wednesday at Malaysia National Hockey Stadium.

Pakistan then decreased the deficit by one goal in the third quarter courtesy of midfielder Arshad Liaqat’s field goal to bring the scores down to 2-1.

The Green Shirts then earned a penalty in the 36th minute of the third quarter, which was successfully converted by Sufian Khan to level the scores.

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However, the Netherlands did not slow down and took the lead again in the 47th minute with a field goal by Olivier Hortensius.

Their lead did not last long as Pakistan’s Arbaz Ahmed helped his side level the scores with an equalizing penalty corner.

Pakistan will play their next Junior Hockey World Cup match against New Zealand tomorrow and then against Belgium on 9th December.

Pakistan won the inaugural Junior World Cup in 1979 and then claimed bronze medals in the next three editions before getting a silver in the 1993 edition.

They have not been able to win any medal in the Junior World Cup since 1993 and finished at their lowest 11th position in the 2021 edition in Bhubaneswar, India.

READ: Shan Masood’s 156* keeps Pakistan in command on first day against Prime Minister’s XI

Pakistan endure setback ahead of China clash in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy

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

Veterans resign as controversy hit Pakistan Hockey before Azlan Shah Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey faced a significant blow ahead of Azlan Shah Hockey Cup as two of its experienced players, Ammad Butt and Mubashar Ali, tendered their resignations, leaving the national team in a deep crisis.

According to the details, the team’s vice-captain Ammad and defender Mubashar sent their resignations, copies of which are available to ARY News, to the Pakistan Hockey Federation, stating their inability to continue with the team due to ‘family commitments’ and ‘personal reasons’.

The resignations are attributed to serious fissures that emerged within the ranks of the national hockey team with both the players suddenly deciding not to play in the current set-up.

It is pertinent to mention here that a training camp for the senior hockey players will commence on September 25 at Abdul Sattar Hockey Stadium in Karachi, after which the national men’s hockey team will be formed.

Pakistan are set to participate in the Sultan Azlan Hockey Cup scheduled from November 1 to 10 in Malaysia.

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Australia thump Pakistan 7-0 to cease hockey team’s CWG journey

BIRMINGHAM: Australia outpowered Pakistan in a one-sided show to force the national hockey team out of the Commonwealth Games 2022, here on Thursday.

Australia completely dominated the Green Shirts in the last encounter of pool A, raining goals on them to dash any hopes left of Pakistan’s qualification for the next round of the Games’ hockey event.

Pakistan, on the other hand, remained completely clueless in the face of Australia’s powerful attack and were unable to find the nets even once throughout the game.

Blake Govers scored the opening goal in the 12th minute to give Australia a 1-0 lead whereas, Jeremy Hayward scored another goal in the 19th minute to double the lead before halftime.

Hayward added another in the third quarter with a low-drag flick while Tom Wickham found the nets for the first time in the 42nd minute to take the game out of Pakistan’s reach before the final quarter.

Wickham then scored his second just two minutes into the fourth quarter before Jacob Anderson and Nathan Ephraums completed the rout.

With the thumping 7-0 win, Australia sits at top of pool A and will now face England in the semifinals on August 6.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will now compete against Canada for the seventh position on the same day.

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‘Players weren’t fully recovered from SA match’ Pakistan hockey coach

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan’s hockey team head coach Siegfried Aikman put the blame for the team’s defeat against New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games on the lack of time to fully recover from the previous game.

Aikman claimed that the team’s attacking strategy against New Zealand backfired as the players did not get ample time to recover from the match against South Africa just a day earlier.

“Our aim was to play very attacking. We saw opportunities after analyzing New Zealand and our match. In our wish to attack we neglected that we played the day before and that we might not have fully recovered.” wrote Aikman in a thread posted on his Twitter account.

Our aim was to play very attacking. We saw opportunities after analyzing New Zealand and our match.
In our wish to attack we neglected that we played the day before and that we might not have fully recovered.

— siegfried Aikman (@SiggyAikman) August 1, 2022

The national hockey team has so far remained unimpressive in their Commonwealth campaign as they lost 1-4 against New Zealand following a 2-2 draw against South Africa in their first encounter.

Head coach Aikman further stated that the team lagged in their attack and made too many unforced errors in passing while claiming that it was necessary for the team to be physically stronger in order to play an attacking game against physical fit teams.

“We were unable to score and just before the end they scored the last goal. Conclusion we played an attacking match when possible but to do so against physical fit teams we need to be physically stronger,” he said.

“Players were not fully recovered from the SA match and made to many unforced errors in passing and receiving we also had problems with tactical decision making. We have 2 days to recover and to prepare for the Scotland match.” he added.

Aikman expressed hope that the team would perform well in their next game against Scotland on August 3 and demonstrate what they had learnt so far from the previous matches.

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