The Pakistan Hockey Team ended its journey at the 13th Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup 2025 in fourth place after a hard-fought 3-2 defeat to Great Britain in the third-place playoff match held in Johor Baru, Malaysia. Despite the loss, the team demonstrated remarkable potential and resilience throughout the tournament, showing that Pakistan’s junior hockey program is on the right path to revival.
In the match for third position, Captain Hanan Shahid and forward Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored one goal each for Pakistan, keeping the game competitive until the final minutes. However, Great Britain’s Caden, Michael, and Henry each scored once to secure the narrow victory. The defeat marked the second time Pakistan had lost to Great Britain during the event, while their only win came against host Malaysia.
Pakistan Hockey Team’s Journey Through the Tournament
The Pakistan Hockey Team entered the Sultan of Johor Cup with high expectations after a series of training camps aimed at developing young talent. The team showed flashes of brilliance in multiple matches but struggled to maintain consistency against top-tier opponents like Great Britain and India.
Throughout the tournament, Pakistan’s attack looked promising, but missed opportunities in front of goal cost them crucial victories. Against Malaysia, the team delivered an impressive performance, combining speed and coordination to secure their only win. However, defensive lapses in other matches revealed the inexperience of the young squad.
Despite finishing fourth, experts believe that the performance of the Pakistan Hockey Team was encouraging, especially given the competition level. Teams such as Australia, India, and Great Britain featured players with international exposure, while Pakistan’s squad consisted largely of debutants at the international junior level.
Lessons Learned by the Pakistan Hockey Team
Head coach Kamran Ashraf expressed satisfaction with his team’s overall performance, acknowledging that inexperience was a major factor in their inability to capitalize on scoring chances. According to Ashraf, Our players created opportunities but failed to finish them. The inexperience showed against stronger sides, but the effort and determination were commendable.
This candid reflection highlights the importance of exposure and consistent match practice for young players. The Pakistan Hockey Team demonstrated technical skill and a fighting spirit but needs more tactical maturity to compete against teams that have invested heavily in junior development systems.
Highlights from the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025
The Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 was full of exciting moments. Australia claimed the championship after a thrilling 2-1 victory over India in the final, showcasing high-intensity hockey throughout the tournament. In another fixture, host Malaysia overcame New Zealand 5-3 to secure fifth place.
For the Pakistan Hockey Team, the tournament served as a valuable learning experience. Captain Hanan Shahid led by example, while players like Muhammad Sufyan Khan and goalkeeper Abdul Rehman earned praise for their consistent performances. The team’s ability to challenge stronger opponents indicated progress in Pakistan’s junior hockey development.
Statistically, Pakistan’s goal-scoring ratio improved compared to previous editions. However, the defense conceded several penalty corners, an area that remains a concern. The coaching staff has already identified this issue as a key focus for upcoming training sessions before future tournaments.
Support and Encouragement for the Pakistan Hockey Team
Following the tournament, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti and Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali Khan expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance. They described the campaign as a promising step for the future of Pakistan hockey. Both officials emphasized the need to continue investing in junior players through structured development programs and international exposure.
Their confidence in the Pakistan Hockey Team reflects a long-term vision to restore Pakistan’s position among the world’s top hockey nations. Pakistan, a country with a glorious history of Olympic and World Cup victories, has been striving to regain its former glory. Events like the Sultan of Johor Cup serve as stepping stones toward rebuilding that legacy.
The Road Ahead for Pakistan Hockey
Looking ahead, the focus for the Pakistan Hockey Team will be on strengthening fitness, improving defensive coordination, and enhancing finishing skills in the attacking circle. The coaching team plans to hold specialized training camps targeting penalty corner conversion and defensive structure — two areas identified as weaknesses during the tournament.
Moreover, the PHF has expressed interest in organizing more bilateral series with top Asian teams like India, Malaysia, and South Korea to give players the experience needed to handle pressure situations. With the Junior Asia Cup and other global tournaments approaching, consistent preparation will be vital to ensure competitive performances.
The 13th Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 proved to be a vital test for the Pakistan Hockey Team, revealing both strengths and areas needing improvement. Despite missing out on a podium finish, the team’s determination and individual brilliance reflected a bright future for Pakistan’s hockey revival.
With proper investment in training, exposure, and international competition, this young squad has the potential to transform into a formidable force in global hockey. The journey may be challenging, but the foundation laid in Malaysia marks an important step toward rebuilding Pakistan’s legacy in the sport. The future of the Pakistan Hockey Team looks hopeful, and fans can expect exciting performances in the years to come.
