According to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the squad was selected on the recommendations of the National Selection Committee after trials held from May 19 to 20.

The selection process was reviewed by the PHF Professional Development Committee, headed by Olympians Islahuddin Siddiqui and Hassan Sardar.

The squad includes goalkeepers Waqar and Ali Raza, defenders Abu Bakar, Arbaz Ahmad, Muhammad Abdullah and Sufyan Khan, midfielders Nadeem Khan, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Moin Shakeel, Hammad Anjum and Zikriya Hayat, and strikers Ghazanfer Ali, M. Ammad, Rana Waleed, Abdul Rehman, Arfraz Khan, Rana Waheed, Ahmad Nadeem, Arshad Liaqat and Hannan Shahid.

READ MORE: Pakistan hockey team’s participation in FIH Pro League

The PHF said the reserve list would be announced separately.

The federation also said the government had arranged administrative, financial and logistical support for the team at the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Under the support package, players will receive a daily allowance of $110 per day in advance, while accommodation and logistics arrangements for the tour have also been finalized.

The PHF added that Pakistani missions in England and Belgium had been instructed to facilitate and support the team during the tour.

Officials said participation in the FIH Pro League matches would provide international exposure to the players and serve as preparation for the upcoming Hockey World Cup.

The Green Shirts produced a spirited comeback in a high-intensity contest to secure victory and confirm their ticket to the prestigious tournament.

Pakistan started the match on an aggressive note, with Muhammad Imad opening the scoring in the ninth minute to give his side an early lead. Japan, however, responded strongly and equalised in the 21st minute.

The Japanese side then seized momentum, scoring twice more in the 35th and 41st minutes to take a commanding 3-1 lead against Pakistan.

Facing a two-goal deficit, Pakistan mounted a dramatic comeback in the final quarter.

Abu Muhammad pulled one back in the 52nd minute to reduce the deficit, before Sufyan Khan struck in the 55th minute to level the score.

Moments later, Afraz scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, putting Pakistan ahead 4-3 and completing a remarkable turnaround.

Japan pressed hard in the closing moments, but Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza produced a crucial save by denying a penalty stroke, helping his side secure the victory.

With the win, Pakistan confirmed qualification for the Hockey World Cup for the first time in eight years, a milestone being seen as a significant boost for the country’s national sport.

President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Mohiuddin Wani and Director General Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada congratulated the national team on qualifying for the World Cup.

PHF President Wani praised the players for delivering an excellent performance in a nerve-wracking contest.

Meanwhile, Olympians Islahuddin Siddiqui, Hassan Sardar and Samiullah Khan also expressed happiness and extended their best wishes to the team on its success.

Cricket: historic hosting, familiar heartbreak

Cricket remained at the centre of attention as Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March, its first major ICC event since co-hosting the World Cup in 1996.

The successful staging of the tournament was widely seen as a milestone for Pakistan cricket and a vote of confidence in the country’s ability to host global events.

On the field, however, the hosts failed to capitalise. Pakistan crashed out at the group stage, including a high-profile defeat to India.

The pattern continued later in the year, with Pakistan losing three times to India in the Men’s Asia Cup, including the final, underlining the team’s struggles in high-pressure matches.

Despite those setbacks, 2025 was not without silverware. Pakistan won the Hong Kong Super Sixes, the Emerging Asia Cup, and the Under-19 Asia Cup, pointing to depth at the development level and strong performances outside marquee tournaments.

In women’s cricket, individual milestones stood out. Sidra Amin scored a record century, while former captain Sana Mir became the first Pakistani woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

Team results, however, told a tougher story, as Pakistan lost seven of their eight matches in the Women’s World Cup, including against India.

Hockey: flashes of revival amid deep-rooted issues

Pakistan hockey in 2025 reflected cautious promise, overshadowed by long-standing problems.

The national team showed competitiveness in World Cup qualifiers and improved its global ranking, while performances in the Nations Cup and age-group events highlighted emerging talent.

Yet structural weaknesses continued to limit progress. Persistent financial constraints at the Pakistan Hockey Federation affected player payments, training camps, and participation in elite tournaments.

Inconsistent junior-level results and absences from key events meant that, despite occasional positive signs, Pakistan hockey ended the year still searching for stability and a clear path back to the world’s top tier.

Football: administrative relief, on-field reality

For football, 2025 brought administrative progress but harsh sporting realities. FIFA lifted its suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation after constitutional amendments, allowing Pakistan to return to international competition and take part in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Results on the pitch highlighted the scale of the challenge. Pakistan managed a 1-1 draw at home but suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat away to Syria, exposing gaps in fitness, structure, and experience.

With a weak domestic league and limited international exposure, the year reinforced how far Pakistan football remains from being competitive at the Asian level.

Martial arts: global breakthroughs

Combat sports provided one of the year’s most positive narratives. Shahzaib Rind emerged as a global star, winning and successfully defending the KC Lightweight World Championship to maintain an unbeaten professional record. His rise from Balochistan to international prominence symbolised the growing depth in Pakistan’s martial arts scene.

Pakistan also enjoyed a strong showing at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025, where Bano Kousar won gold and other athletes secured silver medals, signalling steady momentum across combat sports.

Athletics: Arshad Nadeem leads the way

Athletics largely revolved around javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, who remained Pakistan’s standout athlete. He successfully defended his gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, reaffirming his dominance at the regional level.

At the World Athletics Championships, however, Nadeem finished outside the top eight with a best throw of 82.75 metres while competing after a calf injury. The contrast highlighted both his importance to Pakistan athletics and the difficulty of sustaining podium finishes on the global stage.

Tennis: hosting gains ground

Tennis marked notable milestones as Pakistan hosted the ATP Challenger Cup for the first time in Islamabad from November 24 to 30. Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Muzammil Murtaza reached the final before losing a close contest to Dominik Palan and Denis Yevseyev.

Pakistan also hosted two legs of the ITF Junior Tennis Championship J-60 in Islamabad.

Abubakar Talha and Hamza Roman won the doubles title in the second leg, while Bilal Asim and Ahmad Nael Qureshi had earlier secured a J-60 title in Riyadh.

The events, featuring players from more than a dozen countries, underscored Pakistan’s expanding role in junior tennis development.

Cue sports: sustained excellence

Cue sports remained a source of pride as Pakistan enjoyed a dominant year in snooker.

Pakistani players won the IBSF Snooker World Cup Team Championship and claimed titles at the IBSF World Masters and the World Under-19 Snooker Championship in Bahrain, further cementing the country’s reputation as a global force in the sport.

The bigger picture

Taken together, 2025 highlighted both progress and persistent gaps in Pakistan’s sport.

While hosting international events, producing world-class individual performers, and winning titles across disciplines, structural weaknesses, governance issues, and inconsistency at the highest level continued to hold several sports back.

The challenge ahead lies in turning isolated successes into sustained, system-wide growth.

The high-voltage encounter between the two arch-rivals ended in a 3-3 draw, with Pakistan’s goals coming from Sufyan Khan (2) and Hannan Shahid (1).

Before the start of the match, players from both sides lined up for their national anthems and greeted each other with traditional high-fives, a gesture that stood in stark contrast to the tensions seen in recent cricket encounters between the two nations.

In the 2025 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s World Cup, Indian players had drawn criticism for refusing to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a move widely viewed as unsporting and politically motivated.

Reports at the time suggested that the Indian men’s cricket team had acted on directions from New Delhi, with captain Suryakumar Yadav declining to shake hands with Pakistan’s skipper after the Asia Cup match on September 14 in the UAE.

The gesture was repeated during their subsequent meetings on September 21 and 28, and later mirrored in the women’s tournament in Colombo on October 5.

However, on Tuesday in Johor Bahru, junior hockey players from both countries set a refreshing example of mutual respect and sportsmanship, effectively putting an end to the handshake row that had marred cricket ties between the two sides.

A total of Rs400 million has been sanctioned, of which, Rs250 million has been earmarked for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to ensure the national team’s participation in the prestigious international league, the board said.

PHF seeks more time to decide on participation in FIH Pro League

“The remaining Rs150 million will be utilised for the organization of the first National Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Islamabad,” it added.

The PSB has directed the PHF to submit a comprehensive participation plan within three days, detailing the team’s travel schedule, logistical arrangements, administrative requirements, and training preparations.

The committee, which met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of MNA Muhammad Sana Ullah Khan Masti Khel, was briefed by the PHF on matters relating to player payments, participation in the International Hockey Federation, and the federation’s constitution and election process. The PHF also presented details of its financial operations during the fiscal year 2024-25.

PHF seeks more time to decide on participation in FIH Pro League

In view of the concerns raised, the committee mandated a sub-committee led by MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed to review PHF’s legal standing, probe financial discrepancies, and recommend a future roadmap for reforms.

The sub-committee will be assisted by the Secretaries of the Law and IPC ministries, the Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board, a representative of the Attorney General’s Office, as well as the PHF president and secretary. Its findings will be submitted to the main committee.

The agenda item pertaining to the National Internship Program could not be taken up during the meeting.

The session was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Waseem Qadir, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Syeda Shehla Raza, Dr. Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan, Yousaf Khan, and Syed Sami Ullah, alongside officials from the IPC ministry, Pakistan Sports Board, SNGPL, and the PHF.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Bugti said that while discussions with the government regarding Pakistan’s participation are ongoing, the federation has sought an extension of the deadline from August 12 to August 20. “We are hopeful of sharing good news soon,” he added.

Bugti said the PHF has submitted a budget proposal of Rs350 million specifically for the Pro League, while a total of Rs700 million will be required to cover the federation’s activities for the entire year, including international events.

“Participation in the Pro League will give our players vital international exposure and help improve the national team’s ranking,” he said, adding that the final decision rests with the government.

He said the government would also decide whether Pakistan would send its team to India for the upcoming Asia Cup.

“Given the current situation, we believe a delegation should first visit India to assess the ground realities before making a final decision,” Bugti stated, citing security concerns and the hostile attitude reportedly shown during Pakistan’s tour to England.

Bugti also said that the PHF has formally shared its concerns with the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), particularly in light of threats reported in Indian media. “Unlike cricket, hockey doesn’t operate on neutral venues, so we must take these matters seriously.”

Addressing internal matters, he dismissed reports of differences within the federation, saying, “We’ve been hearing such rumours since day one. The fact is, we continue to compete and reach the finals of international events.”

Bugti confirmed that funds have started to be transferred directly to players’ accounts, with local daily allowances being disbursed in the first phase. “We have communicated our financial constraints to the players, and they have understood the situation.”

Meanwhile, several former Olympians have backed Pakistan’s participation in the Pro League, calling it crucial for the sport’s revival in the country.

The matter was discussed during the 34th PSB Board meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah, where officials acknowledged the significance of the opportunity but flagged funding constraints.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, PSB president Rana Sanaullah was authorised to take the matter forward. A formal letter outlining the rationale for Pakistan’s participation and its objectives will be submitted to the Prime Minister for a final decision.

The PSB stated that it currently lacks the necessary funds for participation and will refer the matter to the finance ministry for further consideration.

PSB imposes strict measures to curb age fraud in junior events

The invitation from FIH came after New Zealand, who had qualified for the Pro League by winning the Nations Cup, withdrew from the upcoming edition. As runners-up, Pakistan was next in line and has been given until August 12 to confirm its participation.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), which is facing a severe financial crunch, has estimated a requirement of Rs700 million to cover participation costs, which include overseas travel, hosting matches at home, and logistics over the six-month-long event scheduled from December 2025 to June 2026.

Pakistan last missed the Pro League in 2019 after initially confirming their entry but later withdrawing due to a funding shortfall. The withdrawal led to a €170,000 fine imposed by the FIH.

The upcoming edition of the Pro League will feature top-ranked teams including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and Spain.

The PHF has yet to formally respond to the FIH invitation and is awaiting clarity from the government on funding and approval.

After decades of underachievement, these runner-up finishes in 2025, while not yielding trophies, mark a shift in momentum for a sport that has languished far from its glorious past. The Green Shirts, for the first time in years, are being discussed not just in terms of legacy, but also in terms of possibility.

The weight of history

Pakistan’s hockey pedigree is unmatched in Asia. Four World Cup titles, three Olympic golds, and a host of continental triumphs once positioned the country as a field hockey superpower. The 1980s in particular saw dominance under players like Hassan Sardar, Islahuddin, and Shahbaz Ahmed Sr., whose influence extended well beyond the field.

But the decline has been sharp. The last major title, the 1994 World Cup in Sydney, is now over three decades old. Since then, the national team has missed out on World Cups and Olympic Games, dropped in rankings, and watched its domestic infrastructure erode. The National Hockey Stadium in Lahore, once the largest of its kind, now reflects this neglect.

Turning a corner

The FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, where Pakistan beat France in the semifinal before falling to New Zealand, marked the senior team’s first final appearance in a major FIH event in more than ten years. Captain Ammad Butt called it a “revival” of the sport. While perhaps premature, the performance did signal tactical improvement and competitive intent.

The Under-18 squad followed closely in China, reaching the final of the Asia Cup after dominant wins in the group stage.

Despite losing to Japan in the final, the emergence of players like Ali Hamza and Hasan Shahbaz has given observers reason to hope for a more sustainable pipeline of talent.

The campaigns were far from perfect, but in the context of Pakistani hockey’s broader decline, reaching two finals in the span of a month is a notable achievement.

Why this moment matters

Pakistan’s entry into the 2025-26 FIH Pro League, made possible after New Zealand withdrew, presents an unprecedented opportunity. For years, Pakistan’s biggest handicap has been its absence from consistent high-level competition. The Pro League could bridge that gap, but only if backed by adequate preparation, financial support, and institutional consistency.

These appearances also suggest a deeper, if tentative, recovery. The senior team’s Nations Cup run showed a return to structure and belief. The U18 team’s progress reflected the potential of younger players even under difficult circumstances, including limited training time and logistical delays.

Persistent challenges

However, systemic issues continue to threaten any long-term revival. Reports of players going unpaid for weeks after the Nations Cup and the absence of central contracts reflect the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s financial instability. Private donors temporarily filling the gap is not a sustainable model.

Pakistan still lacks a professional domestic league, an essential platform for developing match-ready talent. Facilities remain underfunded, and administrative turnover has made long-term planning difficult.

Political tensions in the region are another factor. Pakistan’s participation in upcoming tournaments in India, including the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup, remains uncertain due to visa restrictions and unresolved diplomatic issues. If unresolved, these barriers could again limit international exposure for emerging players.

A fragile opportunity

There is no shortage of goodwill. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and national cricket captain Babar Azam have both publicly supported the hockey team. But symbolic gestures alone will not revive the sport.

A professional structure, improved facilities, and guaranteed financial backing remain critical. The recent visit by Germany’s U21 team, the first in 21 years, was a positive sign, but Pakistan needs more than isolated events to rejoin the international elite.

Veteran Hassan Sardar, a legend of the 1980s era, sees potential in the current squad. “These boys have the heart to fight,” he said. “But heart alone won’t win World Cups. They need structure, support, and belief from the system.”

The way forward

For Pakistan hockey’s revival to be more than a moment, it needs structure beneath the sentiment.

As former captain Islahuddin suggested earlier, “Rebuilding must start from the grassroots.” Reviving club hockey and restoring school and college competitions is crucial to developing young talent. “Without a proper pipeline, we’ll keep recycling the same problems,” he warned.

A major gap continues to be the lack of consistent exposure to high-level international competition. Without opportunities to face top-ranked teams or participate in overseas leagues, players miss out on the experience needed to raise their game beyond local standards.

Equally pressing is the absence of financial incentives. The phasing out of institutional jobs, contracts, and long-term benefits has made hockey an increasingly unattractive career path for young athletes. Without financial stability, many are turning away from the sport altogether.

Governance is another central concern. Years of internal politics and ad-hoc decision-making have eroded confidence in the system. Any meaningful progress will require professional management, transparency, and long-term planning. Pakistan has the talent, but without systems to support it, that talent will continue to be wasted.

The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people.

Pakistan was due to participate in the Men’s Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government’s clearance.

“After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,” said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified.

Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said.

Pakistan demands Men’s Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India

Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings.

Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year’s senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.

A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP.

Pakistan’s foreign office has not responded to AFP’s request for comment.

India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border.

Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad.

India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai.

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women’s cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026.

They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth amongst six teams.

Both teams put on a competitive display, with the match locked at 3-3 after full time. The result was decided through a tense penalty shootout, where Pakistan held their nerve to book a place in the final against Japan, scheduled for Sunday.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan defeated hosts China 2-1 on Wednesday to secure a semifinal spot.

New Zealand crush Pakistan 6-2 in FIH Nations Cup final

Hassan Shehbaz opened the scoring with a field goal in the 11th minute, followed by another field strike from Ali Hanzala in the 43rd. China managed to pull one back through Lin Jiaxing, who converted a penalty corner.

With the win over China, Pakistan completed the group stage of the 11-nation event unbeaten, displaying consistency and resilience throughout the tournament.

Pakistan will now face Japan in the title clash on Sunday, aiming to cap off their impressive run with the continental crown.

FIH Senior Manager of Communications, Nicolas Mangot told Geo News that as per the tournament regulations, the winner of the Nations Cup earns the right to participate in the next edition of the Pro League.

Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar

“If the winning team declines the invitation, the runner-up may be considered. However, New Zealand, the winner of the Nations Cup, has not yet provided any update regarding its participation,” Mangot added.

The clarification comes in response to reports claiming that the FIH had extended an invitation to the Pakistan hockey team after New Zealand reportedly opted out.

Earlier, several media outlets had reported that Pakistan had been offered a place in the elite Pro League after New Zealand declined to participate.

However, the FIH has now confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding a substitute team.

The Kiwis overwhelmed Pakistan with five first-half goals, rattling Pakistan’s fragile defence.

The dominant Black Sticks added one more goal in the second half to secure a 6-2 victory, and with that, their second consecutive title and the opportunity to step up to the top-tier FIH Hockey Pro League.

Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar

The tone was set early, with New Zealand twice finding the back of the net in the opening minutes, only for both goals to be disallowed.

Still, they kept up the pressure and eventually broke through when Scott Cosslett converted a penalty corner to open the scoring.

Just as Pakistan began to find their rhythm and enjoy some possession finally, New Zealand struck again, Jonty Elmes setting up Sam Hiha to double their lead.

Early in the second quarter, a long pass into the circle found Dylan Thomas, who reacted quickest to a rebound off the keeper to make it 3-0.

Sean Findlay then blasted in a fourth after receiving an aerial pass just inside the circle and somehow slotting it in from the sharpest of angles.

Just under 10 minutes later, the Black Sticks were at it again when a lifted ball came off the Pakistani goalkeeper, and Scott Boyde was on hand to swat it home, sending the New Zealanders into the half-time break with a commanding 5-0 lead.

Left with a mountain to climb in the second half, Pakistan finally got off the mark in the 33rd minute when Moin Shakeel found the back of the net from close range.

Suddenly, the men in green sprang to life, creating far more chances and looking threatening. But the New Zealand defence stood firm.

The Kiwis added one more goal from a penalty corner in the final three minutes of the match, Cosslett’s second successful drag flick, to rub salt in Pakistan’s wounds.

Sufyan Khan then found one last consolation for Pakistan off a penalty corner of their own to make the 6-2 scoreline slightly more respectable.

France finished in third place, prevailing 3-2 in a shootout against South Korea after the match had ended 3-3 in regulation time.

The French had lost in a shootout to Pakistan in the semi-finals on Friday.

Hosts Malaysia ended sixth after falling 2-1 to Wales while Japan edged South Africa by the same score to avoid finishing bottom.

Despite a crushing defeat in the final, Pakistan have impressed with resilience and improved structure throughout the tournament. The Green Shirts qualified for the final after beating France in the semifinal that was decided on a penalty shoot-out.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had lost a crunch match 3-4 against New Zealand, before registering a 3-2 win against Japan and playing out a 3-3 draw with hosts Malaysia.

In an exclusive interview with Business Recorder, Sardar, who led Pakistan to Olympic gold in 1984 and a World Cup title in 1982, said the team showed real promise in attack, particularly with their ability to score field goals and capitalize on penalty corners.

“The positive thing is that our forward line is scoring field goals and we are converting penalty corners too,” Sardar noted. “That’s very encouraging in modern hockey.”

Pakistan qualifies for FIH Nations Cup final after beating France in penalty shoot-out

However, he emphasised that winning the final will require defensive discipline and collective responsibility.

“Defensively, I saw many mistakes. We need to work as a unit, not just in the forward line but overall,” he said.

“When the forwards are out of the game, midfield and defense must step up. They should remain connected like a chain.”

Sardar stressed that modern hockey demands an all-round approach.

“Defense and attack go hand in hand. All eleven players must support each other. That’s what wins matches today.”

Nations Cup final: a ticket to the elite level

The Nations Cup is not just a trophy - it’s a gateway. A win today will promote Pakistan to the FIH Pro League, joining global powerhouses like Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and India.

“This is a small league, but winning it opens the door to the senior league. That’s where real international hockey is played,” said Sardar. “Pakistan has a high chance of qualifying.”

Road to redemption

Despite a group-stage loss to New Zealand, Pakistan have impressed with resilience and improved structure throughout the tournament. Their semi-final win was a testament to grit and growing confidence.

Now, they get a chance at redemption, against the same team they previously lost to, but with silverware and Pro League promotion on the line.

“I believe this team will win”

Sardar also praised the team’s fighting spirit, the team had played throughout the tournament.

“I liked the performance of the Pakistan Hockey team. The matches won and lost were played well. It’s a good sign that the team played well,” he said.

“Although they lost to New Zealand earlier, I believe this team will win. Their morale is high, and that’s a good sign.”

Pakistan qualified for the final of the FIH Nations Cup after beating France in the first semifinal that was decided on a penalty shoot-out in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday.

The match ended in a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time, pushing the game into a shoot-out.

Pakistan held its nerve and clinched a 3-2 win in penalties to book a spot in the final.

Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman blocked three France chances, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz struck for Pakistan to clinch a highly-rewarding victory.

In the regulation time, Afraz, Sufyan Khan and Muhammad Hammadudin netted one goal apiece.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had lost a crunch match 3-4 against New Zealand, before registering a 3-2 win against Japan and playing out a 3-3 draw with hosts Malaysia.

Past glory

Pakistan has not won a major international hockey title in decades. The last major title came in 1994 when Pakistan lifted the World Cup in Sydney. Since then, the Green Shirts have struggled to reclaim their past glory.

However, Pakistan still holds the record for the most Men’s Hockey World Cup titles, with four championships to their name (1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994).

Legendary Olympian Hassan Sardar, who is widely regarded as one of the finest forwards in hockey history, was part of Pakistan’s 1982 World Cup-winning squad and also played a key role in securing the gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

The match ended in a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time, pushing the game into a shoot-out.

Pakistan held its nerve and clinched a 3-2 win in penalties to book a spot in the final.

The Greenshirts had earlier qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament on goal difference despite a close 3-4 defeat to New Zealand in their final group match in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan registered a win against Japan and played out a draw with hosts Malaysia.

With four points from three matches, Pakistan currently sits second in Pool B and remains in contention for a place in the semi-finals.

Following the loss, Pakistan’s progression depended on the outcome of the match between Malaysia and Japan.

With results favouring Pakistan and a superior goal difference, the team booked its spot in the tournament’s semi-final round.

Pakistan entered the third quarter with a commanding 3-1 lead, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett turned the tide with a brace that brought his side back into contention.

Cosslett eventually sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the final quarter, completing his hat-trick and ensuring full points for the Kiwis.

Pakistan to face New Zealand in crucial FIH Nations Cup clash tomorrow

New Zealand took the early lead through Nic Woods in the first quarter, but Pakistan responded strongly.

Abdul Rehman netted twice to put the Green Shirts ahead, while Rana Waheed Ashraf added a third to extend Pakistan’s lead to 3-1.

Despite Pakistan’s dominance in the second quarter and a solid defensive display, New Zealand found momentum late in the third quarter, scoring twice to level the scores.

Pakistan edge past Japan 3-2 in FIH Nations Cup thriller

The final quarter witnessed end-to-end action, but it was Cosslett who made the difference, scoring the winner and dashing Pakistan’s hopes of finishing at the top of the pool.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan registered a win against Japan and played out a draw with hosts Malaysia.

With four points from three matches, Pakistan currently sits second in Pool B and remains in contention for a place in the semi-finals.

Following the loss, Pakistan’s progression depended on the outcome of the match between Malaysia and Japan.

With results favouring Pakistan and a superior goal difference, the team booked its spot in the tournament’s semi-final round.

The Green Shirts have had a mixed start to their campaign in Kuala Lumpur. Their opening match on June 15 against hosts Malaysia ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after Pakistan squandered a commanding three-goal lead in the final quarter.

In their second outing, however, Pakistan bounced back with a spirited 3-2 victory over Japan in a tightly contested match. Goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Ali Ghazanfar, and Sufyan Khan ensured Pakistan stayed ahead despite persistent pressure from the Japanese side.

Japan’s Matsumoto Kazumasa and Yamasaki Koji managed to score, but Pakistan’s defence held firm in the closing minutes to secure the win.

The victory over Japan has provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s standing in the tournament as they eye a spot in the knockout rounds.

Pakistan demands Men’s Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India

Head coach Roelant Oltmans praised the team’s resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in defending their lead under pressure.

In contrast, the draw against Malaysia highlighted both Pakistan’s attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.

The team had surged ahead with goals from Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Rehman, and Rana Waheed Ashraf to lead 3-0, but Malaysia staged a remarkable late comeback, scoring three goals in the final quarter to level the match.

Pakistan now faces a crucial test against New Zealand, a side known for its physicality and structured play. A win on Wednesday would significantly improve Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the semifinals and further boost confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments.

The FIH Nations Cup serves as a qualification pathway for teams aspiring to secure a spot in the FIH Pro League.

Pakistan’s goals came from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Ali Ghazanfar, and Sufyan Khan, who delivered a solid performance to keep their side ahead in the tightly fought game.

Japan responded with goals from Matsumoto Kazumasa and Yamasaki Koji, but fell short despite mounting pressure in the final quarter.

The match remained intense throughout, with both teams displaying pace and skill. Pakistan’s defense held firm in the closing minutes to seal the win.

With this result, Pakistan boosts its position in the tournament standings, keeping its hopes alive for a strong finish in the FIH Nations Cup.

Earlier, Pakistan’s first match against Malaysia ended in a draw with three goals each on Sunday.

Pakistan demands Men’s Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India

The match saw Pakistan squander a comfortable three-goal lead, only for Malaysia to stage a remarkable comeback in the final quarter.

The Green Shirts started brilliantly, asserting their dominance from the outset and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first quarter. Pakistan extended their advantage further in the fourth quarter, netting another goal to go up 3-0.

However, the home side mounted a stunning fightback in the final quarter, scoring three quick goals to level the match at 3-3, much to the delight of the local crowd.

For Pakistan, the goals were scored by Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Rehman, and Rana Waheed Ashraf, each netting one.

Speaking to the media, Imad stressed the significance of the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

“The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it’s a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,” he said.

He noted that Pakistan’s final decision regarding participation would align with the directives of the federal government.

PTCL Group partners with Pakistan hockey team

Addressing the team’s ongoing preparations, the national captain shared that the squad is currently training for the FIH Nations Cup, where a strong performance could earn them a spot in the prestigious Pro League.

“Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,” Imad added.

He also welcomed the production of a new film centred on hockey, describing it as a step in the right direction to revive public interest in the sport. Imad further confirmed that pending player dues have been cleared, which has uplifted team morale.

The Pakistani team is gearing up to uphold national pride while aiming for international advancement, starting with the Nations Cup.

Interview: Islahuddin Siddique on why Pakistan hockey is struggling

The 12th edition of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7, 2025, under the auspices of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

However, the event’s credibility has come under scrutiny amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The development has raised concerns over fairness and Pakistan’s potential pathway to the 2026 World Cup.

Tensions have intensified following the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly led to visa denials for the Pakistani squad, casting uncertainty over their participation.

As of now, neither the AHF nor the Indian government has issued an official statement regarding the situation.

The country lifted four World Cup titles (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994) and secured three Olympic gold medals, cementing its status as one of the greatest teams in history.

The era of legends saw the rise of Shahbaz Ahmed, Shahnaz Sheikh, and Hassan Sardar, players who became synonymous with Pakistan’s attacking style and dominance on the field. Among them was Islahuddin Siddique, a former Olympian and captain, who led Pakistan to an unprecedented triple victory in 1978, securing the Asian Games, the World Cup, and the Champions Trophy in a single year—an achievement that remains unmatched.

However, those glory days are now a distant memory. Once a hockey giant, Pakistan has now fallen to 15th in the world rankings, struggling even to qualify for major tournaments. The decline has been gradual yet painful, and according to hockey legend Islahuddin, it didn’t happen overnight. “The downfall started after the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and since then, we have been slipping further,” Islahuddin said in an exclusive interview with Business Recorder.

One of the primary reasons for this downfall, Islahuddin believes, is the lack of fitness and modern training methods.

“In today’s hockey, fitness is everything. The Europeans and Australians are miles ahead because their players are trained like athletes. Unfortunately, our players are not as fit as they should be,” he explained.

Islahuddin pointed out that without structured long-term training camps, Pakistani players struggle to keep up with the fast-paced game. Another major issue, according to him, is political interference and mismanagement.

“Politics has destroyed our hockey. Instead of selecting players on merit, favoritism and personal interests dictate decisions. Until we remove politics from the system, we cannot progress,” he said, calling for strong leadership for restoring the credibility of Pakistan hockey.

The collapse of domestic hockey has also contributed to the decline. “Back in the day, club hockey was strong, and schools, colleges, and universities played a big role in producing talent. Today, all that has disappeared,” he lamented.

Without a proper pipeline for nurturing young players, the sport has failed to attract new talent. Another challenge is the lack of international exposure.

Islahuddin believes that Pakistani players must regularly compete against top-ranked teams to achieve improvement.

“Our players hardly get opportunities to play in major international leagues. They need to go to Europe and India to gain experience and develop their skills.”

Financial struggles and lack of incentives have further discouraged many young players from pursuing hockey as a career, Islahuddin continued.

“In the past, hockey players were offered jobs in institutions like the Army, WAPDA, and PIA. This was a major motivation for youngsters to play the sport seriously. Now, with no financial security, players prefer to switch careers.”

Pakistan’s hockey team has shown some resilience in recent regional tournaments but has failed to win major titles. Islahuddin acknowledges that the players have potential but emphasises that without structural reforms, progress will remain slow.

“We have seen glimpses of good performances, but we need consistency. Fitness, discipline, and exposure to top teams are key,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Islahuddin believes Pakistan can regain its lost glory if serious reforms are implemented.

“First, we must end politics in hockey and ensure that only qualified and experienced individuals handle team management.”

He also advocated for long-term training camps. “Players need at least two to three months of continuous training to improve their fitness. Without that, we cannot compete with the best.”

To strengthen hockey at the grassroots level, club hockey must be revived, and schools and universities should be encouraged to form teams, according to Islahuddin.

“If we don’t develop hockey at the school level, we will struggle. We need to bring back school, college, and university tournaments to build a strong foundation.”

The former hockey player also emphasised the need for more international tours. “The only way to improve is by playing against better teams. Our players need exposure to the European leagues and other competitive tournaments,” he suggested.

Finally, Islahuddin called for financial incentives to make hockey a viable career for young athletes. “We must bring back institutional jobs for players. If they know they will get financial stability, they will work harder and stay committed to the game,” he said.

Pakistan hockey has seen a decline, but according to Islahuddin, the road to recovery is still open—provided the right decisions are made.

“If we remove politics, improve fitness levels, develop our domestic hockey structure, and give players more exposure, Pakistan can once again rise in world hockey.”