Pakistan Secures Victory Against Japan in FIH Nations Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: In a captivating match held at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Pakistan triumphed over Japan with a score of 3-2 during their second FIH Nations Cup encounter.

After trailing 2-1, Pakistan orchestrated a remarkable comeback to clinch the victory against the Japanese side.

Ghazanfar Ali propelled Pakistan into an initial advantage by scoring in the match’s early stages, netting a goal in the first quarter. However, Japan swiftly responded as Kazumasa found the net just a minute later, leveling the score.

Shortly after, Koji Yamasaki contributed a goal, giving Japan the lead. At the conclusion of the first quarter, Japan held a 2-1 advantage. The second quarter remained goalless for both teams.

In the third quarter, Rana Waheed Ashraf of Pakistan successfully scored, bringing the score to a 2-2 tie. In the final quarter, Sufiyan Khan capitalized on a penalty corner, securing the lead for Pakistan once more. Khan’s decisive goal sealed the 3-2 victory for Pakistan.

Pakistan is scheduled to compete against New Zealand on Wednesday at the same venue for their third group match in the event.

In their opening match of the FIH Nations Cup on Sunday, Pakistan and Malaysia engaged in a thrilling 3-3 draw, despite Pakistan leading twice during the contest. Ahmed Nadeem and Abdul Rehman provided Pakistan with an early edge, scoring two quick goals in the first quarter, which allowed their side to enter the fourth quarter with a significant 2-0 lead.

However, Malaysia displayed resilience, scoring two consecutive goals in the final quarter to equalize. Fitri Saari and Syed Cholan were the goal-scorers for Malaysia. Pakistan regained the lead when Rana Waheed Ashraf scored, but Malaysia countered just two minutes later with another equalizer by Cholan, his second of the match, resulting in a 3-3 score.

The tournament structure features preliminary pool matches, with leading teams progressing to the semi-finals on June 20, followed by the final and bronze medal matches on June 21.

The eight participating teams are divided into two pools for the initial rounds. Pool A includes France, Korea, South Africa, and Wales, while Pool B comprises Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

The FIH Hockey Nations Cup serves as an important pathway for teams aspiring to qualify for the prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League. The tournament winner will be promoted to the 2025–26 Pro League season.

Pakistan squad for 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, Zakrya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.