ISMAILIA (Kashmir English): The Pakistan national hockey team has thrashed Japan in the semifinal of the Hockey World Cup Qualifier to qualify for the Hockey World Cup 2026 after the eight years hiatus.
The Green Shirts won the match 4-3 against Japan at the qualifier match played in Ismailia, Egypt, on Friday.
At the outset of the game, Muhammad Imad scored to give Pakistan an early lead in the first quarter. Japan scored two consecutive goals, finishing the third quarter with 3-1.
In the fourth and final quarter, Pakistan made an impressive comeback with three goals to win the match. Abu Bakr Mahmood, Afraz, and Sufyan Khan turned the match around.
In the third last minute, a crucial penalty stroke saved by Goalkeeper Ali Raza was also a turning moment in the game for Pakistan.
This triumph ensures Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup for the first time since 2018, delighting fans and marking a significant milestone for the team.
Player of the Match Mohammad Ammad said that it was a combined effort of the entire team. “We will try to do well in the final against England as well and win the tournament,” he stated.
Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi, while congratulating the national hockey team on qualifying for the World Cup, said that the players performed brilliantly and this success is the result of teamwork and hard work.
He said that the performance of all the players, including captain Imad Shakeel Butt, is commendable, and it is hoped that the national team will bring more happiness to the nation by winning the final.
