The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the 18-member squad for the upcoming Junior Hockey Asia Cup, which will begin on November 26 in Muscat, Oman. This tournament is crucial for Pakistan, as the top six teams will earn qualification for the Junior World Cup.
Hanan Shahid has been named as the captain of the young Green Shirts, with Sufiyan Khan, a rising star in Pakistani hockey, appointed as the vice-captain. The squad selection followed a one-day trial organized by the PHF’s newly-formed selection committee, which includes Danish Kaleem, Kashif Javed, and Mohammad Khalid.
Danish Kaleem, a member of the selection committee, expressed optimism about the team’s chances of securing a place in the Junior World Cup, highlighting Pakistan’s strong hockey pedigree and the promising lineup of players.
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Pakistan Squad for Junior Hockey Asia Cup:
- Goalkeepers:
- Ali Raza
- Faizan Janjua
- Outfielders:
- Sufiyan Khan (Vice-Captain)
- Aqeel Ahmed
- Bilal Aslam
- Nadeem Khan
- Mohammad Zain
- Wasim
- Sami
- Zakariya Hayat
- Mohammad Imad
- Hanan Shahid (Captain)
- Mughira
- Rana Waleed
- Hamza Fayaz
- Basharat
- Qayyum Dogar
- Saifullah
The Junior Hockey Asia Cup is not only an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its talent but also a critical step towards securing a place in the prestigious Junior World Cup. Historically, Pakistan has been a dominant force in Asian hockey, and expectations are high for this new generation to carry on the legacy.
The tournament will provide the juniors with the perfect stage to prove their mettle, and it could be the starting point for the rise of the next generation of hockey stars in Pakistan.