Pakistan Hockey Team has finalised preparations for the Pro Hockey League. The national team will leave Karachi for Belgium on June 9 under the leadership of Imad Butt, with Manzoor Ul Hassan as the head coach.
Pakistan is scheduled to play two matches each against Belgium, Spain, England and India in the Pro Hockey League from June 13 to 27.
During the camp in Lahore, the PHF has tried to provide all the facilities, including coaching and logistics, to the players. For the first time, the players’ deal allowances have also been paid in advance.
Coach Wasim Ahmed is likely to join the team management in place of goalkeeper coach Mazhar Abbas. The Pakistani team will have a squad of 20 members and five team management officials.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan secured the bronze medal at the Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup after defeating Malaysia 3–0 in the third-place match played in Japan.
With a dominant performance, Pakistan outclassed Malaysia to finish third in the tournament and return home with a podium finish.
Uzair Ahmed scored the first goal for Pakistan, while Haider Asam converted a penalty stroke for the second goal. The third and final goal was scored by Adeel. Malaysia failed to score any goals in the match.
It is worth mentioning here that India reached the final after defeating Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup.
The semi-final between Pakistan and India was a closely contested match. Pakistan held the lead until the third quarter, but India scored two goals in the final quarter to win the game. India defeated Pakistan 5–3. Adeel, Farhan Aslam, and Uzair Ahmed scored for Pakistan.
Earlier, India booked their place in the final of the Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey with a dramatic 5–3 victory over Pakistan in a thrilling encounter.
Read more: Pakistan beat Malaysia 3–0 to secure bronze medal in U-18 Hockey Asia Cup
