Sports Bulletin

“Man of the Match” Arshad scores three goals, Captain Hanan Shahid one goalSports Bulletin ReportKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Pakistan outclassed New Zealand 4-0 in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Thursday. Green Shirts were 2-0 up at the halfway.Pakistan started the game in an aggressive mood and attacked the goalpost of opponents continuously and eared back-to-back two penalty corners by they could not get the early lead in the crucial contest. After first quarter, Pakistan and New Zealand were 0-0.Pakistani midfielder Arshad Liaquat scored a field goal in the 19th minute of the game to give Pakistan the lead. In the 30th minute of the second quarter, midfielder Arshad Liaquat made a brilliant play and scored a field goal to stabilize Pakistan's lead.Captain Abdul Hanan Shahid scored the third goal for Pakistan through a penalty corner in the 32nd minute of the game. In the 54th minute of the fourth quarter, midfielder Arshad Liaquat scored the fourth goal for Pakistan. New Zealand team failed to score against Pakistan

Arshad Liaqat, Sufian Khan, and Arbaz Ahmed star, square match 3-3Sports Bulletin ReportKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Green Shirts halted heavyweights Netherlands from overcoming Pakistan after a nerve-jangling contest in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on Wednesday morning. The match ended 3-3 draw after four quarters.Pakistan young lads produced a remarkable and sparking performance, as the three players Arshad Liaqat, Sufian Khan, and Arbaz Ahmed scored one goal each for Pakistan at crucial stages. The Dutch team managed to score a field goals in the 21st and 30th minutes, leaving Pakistan trailing by two goals at the end of the first half. Pakistan fought back courageously in the third quarter, with midfielder Arshad Liaqat scoring a field goal, narrowing the deficit.The turning point came in the 36th minute of the third quarter when Pakistan earned a penalty corner. Sufian Khan exhibited exceptional skills, slamming a drag-flick into the goalpost, leveling the score to 2-2. The Netherlands responded with a field goal in the 47th minute, once again taking the lead. However, Pakistan's Arbaz Ahmed swiftly equalized with a penalty corner, bringing the score to an intense 3-3.The match continued with both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination, but neither side could break the deadlock before the final whistle. The thrilling encounter ended in a 3-3 draw, showcasing the competitive spirit of the Junior World Hockey Cup.The Junior World Hockey Cup features 16 teams from around the world, including Pakistan in Pool D alongside the Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating matches as teams vie for supremacy on the international stage.

France, Germany, Spain, Argentine, India and Malaysia claim victoriesSports Bulletin ReportKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Besides defending champions Argentine, France, Germany, Spain, India and hosts Malaysia posted triumphs on the opening day of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023, which rolled into action at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.France beat Egypt (3-1): France claimed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Egypt in their tournament opener against Egypt. Morcrette Arthur opened the scoring for the French after 21 minutes, tapping in a reverse stick cross after it deflected off an Egyptian stick.Clément Mathis then extended their lead with an incredible piece of reactive skill, controlling a lifted save with two aerial touches to tap back in through the keeper’s legs. Denis Gaspard completed the scoring for France off a short corner in the 38th minute, slapping in from close range as the ball bounced off the post-man’s foot. Egypt managed to pull one back in the 49th minute.Germany beat South Africa (5-3): Germany, got their Junior World Cup campaign off to a solid start with a 5-3 victory over South Africa. Paul Gander opened the scoring for the Germans after just five minutes, his wide drag flick deflecting in off a defender’s stick. Ben Hansbach then drew all the defenders in front of goal before executing a delicate reverse flip for Florian Sperling to tap in at the left post. David Tshebi opened South Africa’s account in the 24th minute by beating the keeper through his legs from an acute angle, but Liam Holdermann struck back immediately to give Germany a 3-1 lead at half time.South African scored first in the second half, Jaydon Brooker rocketing his drag flick in off the first wave’s stick. Germany answered off a penalty stroke, Matteo Poljaric accurate into the top left corner. Hans Neethling got one back for South Africa with seven minutes to play, and they pulled their keeper off to have a full go. Ben Hansbach closed the match out for Germany in the 59th minute, however, easily tapping into the vacant South African goal.Spain beat Canada (7-0): Spain got their tournament underway with a convincing 7-0 win over Canada. Nicolas Alvarez was on target in the second minute, an attacking pass into the circle being deflected twice by his teammates before he smashed it in from close range. Pol Cabre Verdiell added a penalty stroke, and Andreas Rafi powered a knee-high drag flick through the post-man’s stick to give Spain a 3-0 lead at half time.Oriol Bozal scored with two drag flicks late in the third quarter, the first to the keeper’s left, the second to his right. Xavier Barutell then ran a great support line to score a beautifully worked field goal, and Bruno Font cleaned up the scraps of a goalmouth scramble to close out the scoring.Argentina beat Australia (1-0): Defending champions outplayed Australia 1-0 in their opening clash, as both goalkeepers made vital saves to keep the scores locked at 0-0 for most of the encounter. Australia applied intense pressure through two periods of play in the third quarter when Argentina had players yellow carded, but they just couldn’t find the back of the net.It was as Australia were waiting for their own yellow-carded player to return to the pitch on 58 minutes that Argentina finally broke the deadlock, patiently working the ball into an attacking position before Tomas Ruiz fired it into the circle from 25m out.India beat Korea (4-2): Former world junior champions India earned their first points of the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Korea in their opener. The Indian side took the lead off a penalty corner in the 11th minute, Araijeet Singh Hundal laying the ball back after the initial save before receiving it again and pushing it under the keeper. He slapped in a second after a good baseline run by Boby Singh Dhami, and Amandeep added a field goal to give India a 3-0 lead at half time.Malaysia beat Chile (7-1): Hosts Malaysia started the tournament with an emphatic 7-1 win over the lowest-ranked side in the competition, Chile. Osman Harris hosts’ account by tapping in at the left post after a scrappy penalty corner, and Danish Aiman Mohammad added a field goal for Malaysia to lead 2-0 at half time.There was a flood of goals in the second half, however. Sebastián Wolansky scored early off a drag flick for Chile but that would be the only time they found the back of the net. Malaysia responded through Andywalfian Jeffrynus off a botched penalty corner, and again through Azmilmuizzuddin Misron who was quickest to react at the keeper's feet after he saved the drag flick. Shamir Shamsul slid in for a deflection from open play, and Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi bagged first a penalty corner and then a penalty stroke to complete the scoring.

Chief selector Mohammad Asif Bajwa unfolds the names of playersPakistan to face Netherlands on December 6 in their opening fixtureAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The National Selection Committee (NSC) Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) headed by Mohammad Asif Bajwa named an 18-man national hockey junior team, which will take part in the forthcoming FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2023, starting from December 5 at Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As many as 16 teams worldwide will fight for top honour during the 12-day international prestigious hockey showpiece, as Argentine will defend their title.On Wednesday, Mohammad Asif Bajwa flanked by member of the NSC Olympian Anjum Saeed, Manager Asif Naz Khokhar, and Head Coach Roelant Oltamans, announced the squad after the approval President PHF, Khalid Sajjad Khokhar.It is pertinent to mention here that Green Shirts won only one time Junior Hockey World Cup title in 1979 after defeating West Germany in the final. In 1993, Pakistan had claimed the silver medal while three times Pakistan got third position in 1982, 1985, and 1989. Pakistan could not stand on victory podium for 30 years. Team Officials: Asif Naz Khokhar (Manager), Roelant Oltamans (Head Coach), Olympian Shakeel Abbasi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Asif (Coaches), Mohammad Aslam (Physiotherapist) Nadeem Lodhi (Video Analyst)Names of players: Ali Raza, Abdul Rafay Sajid, Arbaaz Ahmed, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtsham Aslam, Aqeel Ahmed, Abdul Manan, Mohammad Murtaza Yaqub, Zikaria Hayat, Mohammad Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Ali Murtaza, Arshad Liaquat, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Abdul Rehman , Umar Mustafa, Abuzar, Abdul QayyumReserve players: Basharat Ali and Arbaaz AyazTeams (16):Pool A: Argentina, Australia, Chile, MalaysiaPool B: Egypt, France, Germany, South AfricaPool C: Canada, India, Korea, SpainPool D: Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan 

Federation asks 39 players to report to camp commandant Shahbaz Ahmed Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The training camp for the national hockey team will get underway on Thursday (today) here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex under the umbrella of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Pakistan will participate in the Olympic qualifying round, which will take place from January 15 to 21, 2024 in Oman.PHF directed all 39 players to report team manager and camp commandant Olympian Shehbaz Ahmed Senior. Besides Pakistan, teams from England, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada, Chile, and China will participate in this event. The teams have been divided into two pools, as Pool A will consist of England, Malaysia, Pakistan, and China while Pool B Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and Chile.Names of players training camp:Goalkeepers (5): Akmal Hussain (WAPDA), Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (Mari Petroleum), Mohammad Waqar (WAPDA), Bilal Khan (Baluchistan), Muneebur Rehman (Punjab)Defenders (5): Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Bilal Aslam (Customs), Rizwan Ali (Punjab), Samin Ahmed (Sargodha), Mateen Ahmed (WAPDA)Midfielders (10): Osama Bashir (Pakistan Air Force), Abubakar Mehmood (National Bank), Moin Shakeel (WAPDA), Hamad Anjum (WAPDA), Tazeemul Hasan (WAPDA), Adeel Latif (Customs), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank), Babar Sadat (Karachi), Faheem Khan (Sindh Police), Nadeem Razak - (WAPDA)Forwards (19): Rana Abdul Waheed (WAPDA), Mohammad Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Roman (WAPDA), Waqar Ali (Mari Petroleum), Mohammad Umar Bhatta (WAPDA), Umair Sattar (Mari Petroleum), Ahmed Nadeem (Punjab), Ehsan Elahi (Punjab), Ahmed Raza (Punjab), Salman Razak, (WAPDA), Samiullah (Punjab), Abdul Qadir, (Dado), Haris Sarwar (Sukkur), Arslan Haider (Karachi), Noman Khan (Karachi), Usman Ali (Punjab Police), Ali Hasher (Mari Petroleum), Ijaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Shiroz Khan (Rangers).

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brigadier (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has said that the president International Hockey Federation (IHF), Rabindra Batra was responsible for shitting the Olympics qualifying round from Pakistan to Oman after expressing security concerns, as many international teams had been visiting Pakistan for many years.He was addressing a press conference at PHF Headquarters here flanked with Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali, Secretary General PHF, Parvez Bhandara, Olympian Asif Bajwa, Olympian Shehbaz Ahmed Senior and announced the new National Selection Committee while appreciating the work of the previous National Selection Committee. “Asif Bajwa will be the chairman of the selection committee while Olympian Kaleemullah Khan has been appointed as the chief observer. Olympian Anjum Saeed, Olympian Zeeshan Ashraf, Olympian Kamran Ashraf have also been included in the selection committee. While the manager of the national team, Olympian Shehbaz Ahmed Senior, head coach Roelment Oltamens, Olympian Shafqat Malik, Olympian Kashif Jawad, video analyst Abuzar umrao, while the manager of the five-a-side World Cup, Olympian Waseem Feroze, chief coach Olympian Qamar Ibrahim and Olympian Sheikh will be among the coaches. Usman and Olympian Mohammad Khalid will be the coaches. While Olympian Nasir Ali and International Rana Shafiq have been appointed as coordinators of PHF, “he revealed.He said that former FIH President Rabindra Batra was responsible for withdrawing the hosting of the Olympics qualifying round while some countries also expressed security concerns after which the hosting of the Olympics qualifying round was withdrawn from us. “We have a good relationship with the Indian Hockey Federation but we should not be compared with them. We get a budget of 65 lakh rupees annually for hockey, while in India the budget of 2.5 billion rupees is allocated for hockey, “he said.In addition, PHF President Brig. Khalid Sajjad Khokhar paid tribute to Haier owner Javed Afridi for his full support for the betterment of the national game in the 2018 World Cup.He further said that in the same way, all the public and private organizations should play their role along with PHF to bring back hockey to its lost position. 

Green Shirts to participate in World Junior Men’s Hockey Cup next month in MalaysiaAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 30 players for training camp, which will get underway on November 13 at National Hockey Stadium Lahore, as the final selected team will take part in the World Junior Men’s Hockey Cup, which will be held in Malaysia next month December 5 to 16, 2023.According to an official of the PHF, all officials, and players are directed to report to Camp Commandant Lt. Col (Retd) Mohammad Asif Naz Khokhar at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore on 13th November 2023 at 1600 hours.Names of invited players:Goalkeepers: Ali Raza (Punjab), Abdul Rafay Sajid (Sindh), Mohammad Faizan Janjua (Customs)Defenders: Arbaz Ahmad (MPCL), Mohammad Sufyan Khan (MPCL), Ahtisham Aslam (MPCL), Aqeel Ahmed (WAPDA), Mohammad Abdullah (MPCL), Sami Ullah (Customs), Abdul Manan (Customs), Arbaz Ayaz (Sindh)Midfielders: Mohammad Murtaza Yaqoob (WAPDA), Zikriya Hayat (Navy), Mohammad Ammad (Customs), Ghazanfar Ali (Customs), Ali Murtaza (Customs), Abuzar (Customs), Abdul Wahab (Sindh)Forwards: Arshad Liaqat (MPCL), Abdul Hannan Shahid (WAPDA), Hamza Fayyaz (Customs), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Basharat Ali (Navy), Abdul Qayyum (Customs), Mohammad Arsalan (Punjab), Rana Waleed (Navy), Saad Shafique (Punjab), Sikandar Ali Zakir (Islamabad), Mohammad Tauha Sheroz (Punjab), Amir Sohail (Punjab), Mohammad Ghufran (Punjab)Names of Officials:Lt. Col (Retd) Mohammad Asif Naz Khokhar (Manager), Roelant Oltmans (Coach), International Asif Ahmed Khan (Assistant Coach), International Mohammad Ali Khan (Assistant Coach), Olympian Shakeel Abbasi (Assistant Coach), International Yasir Islam (Assistant Coach), International Syed Kashif Shah (Assistant Coach), International Imran Butt (Goalkeeper Coach), International Amjad Ali (Goalkeeper Coach), Mohammad Nadeem Khan Lodhi (Video Analyst) 

Arbad Ahmed scores 2 goals, skipper Abdul Hanan Shahid one goal for Green ShirtsSports Bulletin ReportJohor Bahru (Malaysia): Pakistan played 3-3 darw against arch-rival and defending champions India 3-2 in their opening match of the Sultan Johor Hockey Cup 2023, which commenced at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Friday. Arbad Ahmed scored 2 goals while and skipper Abdul Hanan Shahid netted ball once for Green Shirts.Besides Pakistan, Australia, India, Germany, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand, and South Africa are participating in the nine-day prestigious hockey showpiece. All eight teams have been divided into two Pools. Australia, Germany, Great Britain, and South Africa are in Pool A while host Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and three times champions India are in Pool B. India will defend the title, as they defeated Australia in the final of 2022.Names of players (21): Ali Raza, Abdul Rafi, Arbaaz Ahmed (Vice-Captain), Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtisham Aslam, Murtaza Yaqub, Arbaaz Ayaz, Zakaria Hayat, Arshad Liaquat, Abuzar, Abdul Wahab, Abdul Qayyum, Abdul Hanan Shahid (Captain), Basharat Ali, Hamza Fayyaz, Abdul Rehman, Ghazanfar Ali, Rana Waleed, Mohammad Arsalan, Mohammad Imad and Faizan Janjua, goalkeeper.The Pakistan Junior Hockey Team will play the second match against New Zealand on October 28 at 3:05 PM, and the third and final pool match against the host team Malaysia on October 31 at 5:34 PM.Schedule:27 October 2023: India vs Pakistan 3-3 Draw27 October 2023: Malaysia vs New Zealand27 October 2023: Australia vs Great Britain28 October 2023: Germany vs South Africa28 October 2023: Pakistan vs New Zealand28 October 2023: Malaysia vs India30 October 2023: South Africa vs Great Britain30 October 2023: Australia vs Germany30 October 2023: India vs New Zealand31 October 2023: Germany vs Great Britain31 October 2023: South Africa vs Australia31 October 2023: Pakistan vs MalaysiaNovember 3, 2023: SemifinalsNovember 4, 2023: final 

Abdul Hanan Shahid to lead Green Shirts, Pakistan to face India on October 27Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday unfolded the names of players and officials for the forthcoming international hockey fixture, the Sultan Johor Hockey Cup, which will be played at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from October 27 to November 4, 2023.According to an official of PHF, after the approval of the President PHF Brigadier (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, 21 junior players and 7 officials have been announced for the 11th Sultan Johor Hockey Cup 2023. Besides Pakistan, Australia, India, Germany, Great Britain, Malaysia, New Zealand, and South Africa will participate in the nine-day prestigious hockey showpiece.All eight teams have been divided into two Pools. Australia, Germany, Great Britain, and South Africa are in Pool A while host Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and three times champions India are in Pool B. India will defend the title, as they defeated Australia in the final of 2022.Names of players (21): Ali Raza (Punjab), Abdul Rafi (Sindh), Arbaaz Ahmed (Vice-Captain-Mari Petroleum), Mohammad Sufyan Khan (Mari Petroleum), Ehtisham Aslam (Mari Petroleum), Murtaza Yaqub (WAPDA), Arbaaz Ayaz (Sindh), Zakaria Hayat (Navy), Arshad Liaquat (Mari Petroleum), Abuzar (Customs), Abdul Wahab (Sindh), Abdul Qayyum (Customs), Abdul Hanan Shahid (Captain-WAPDA), Basharat Ali (Navy), Hamza Fayyaz (Customs), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Ghazanfar Ali (Customs), Rana Waleed (Navy), Mohammad Arsalan (Punjab), Mohammad Imad (Customs) and Faizan Janjua, goalkeeper (Customs).Team Officials: Lt. Col (Retd) Asif Naz Khokhar (manager), Olympian Abdul Hanif Khan (head coach), Roelment Oltamans (consultant), Asif Ahmed Khan (coach), Mohammad Ali (coach), Olympian Shakeel Abbasi (coach), video analyst Nadeem Khan Lodhi (video analyst).Schedule: 27 October 2023: India vs Pakistan27 October 2023: Malaysia vs New Zealand27 October 2023: Australia vs Great Britain28 October 2023: Germany vs South Africa28 October 2023: Pakistan vs New Zealand28 October 2023: Malaysia vs India30 October 2023: South Africa vs Great Britain30 October 2023: Australia vs Germany30 October 2023: India vs New Zealand31 October 2023: Germany vs Great Britain31 October 2023: South Africa vs Australia31 October 2023: Pakistan vs MalaysiaNovember 3, 2023: SemifinalsNovember 4, 2023: final

WAPDA, Customs, Pakistan Navy, and MPCL reach in semifinalsSports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: WAPDA, Pakistan Customs, Pakistan Navy, and Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) qualified for the semifinal of the ongoing 67th AWT National Hockey Championship after thrashing their opponents defending champions Sindh A, Pakistan Army, Police, and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) respectively in the quarterfinals here at the Lt. General Ishfaq Nadeem Hockey Stadium, Ayub Park on Friday. The semifinals will be played on Sunday at the same venue.In the first quarterfinal, Sindh A overpowered the defending champions, WAPDA 8-0. The Olympians, including Tosiq Hyder, Rana Waheed, and Hammad Anjum, showcased their prowess, each contributing two goals, while Moen Shekeel and Abdul Rahman scored one apiece. The special guest for this match, Major General Fida Hussain Malik, Executive Director of Army Welfare Trust, graced the occasion. Before the match, Maj. Gen. Fida interacted with both teams, fostering camaraderie and awarded the Cash Award to Hammad Anjum, the 'Man of the Match.' The match's umpires were Asad Abbas, Mohammad Bilal, and Wasim, with Geuari Ghaffar Bukhari, Shafiq, Imal Khan, Abdul Malik, Ehsan-ul-Haq, and Mubarak Ali as the field officials.In the second quarter-final, Pakistan Customs defeated Pakistan Army 3-1 team, securing a place in the finals with a three-goal victory. Hamza Fiaz was the hero for Customs, scoring two crucial goals, while Ghazanfar Ali added a third. Rau Arsalan was the sole goal scorer for the Army. The match's guest of honor, Major General Imtiaz Khan, Executive Director of Medask, interacted with both teams before the game, offering encouraging words. After the match, he awarded Hamza Fiaz the 'Man of the Match' Cash Prize. The umpires for this match were International Yasser Khurshid, Waqas Butt, and Wajahat, while Sajid Khan, Imtiaz-ul-Hasan, Haroon Butt, Akbar Ali, and Hamza Tafail were the field officials.In the third quarter-final, Pakistan Navy demonstrated their prowess by overcoming Punjab Police with a convincing 3-0 victory. Osman Ali was the star of the match, contributing two goals, while Rana Waheed netted the third for Navy. The chief guest for this match, Major General Dr. Samrez Salik, Executive Director of Army Welfare Trust, participated in the pre-match introduction sessions with both teams. Major General Salik recognized Osman Ali's exceptional performance by presenting him with the 'Man of the Match' Cash Prize. The match's field officials included Anwar Hussain, Hammad, Afser Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Naveed Yousuf, Yamin Bhatti, and Zahid-ul-Haq. MPCL defeated PAF 3-1 in the last quarterfinal to get a berth in the top-4 stage of the national hockey championship.The action continues on Saturday as the championship is set to feature the semi-finals. The first semi-final will commence at 7 PM, while the second semi-final will be held at 9 PM, offering a double dose of hockey excitement to fans across the nation.