Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportKuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Five first-half goals proved decisive for New Zealand to overwhelm Pakistan in the final of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The dominant Black Sticks added one more goal in the second half to secure a 6-2 victory, and with that, their second consecutive title and the opportunity to step up to the top-tier FIH Hockey Pro League.In the playoff for the bronze medal, it was France who prevailed against Korea in a shootout while Wales beat hosts Malaysia to secure fifth place, and Japan came out on top in the playoff for seventh against former Nations Cup champions South Africa.Pakistan 2 - 6 New Zealand: The tone was set early, with New Zealand twice finding the back of the net in the opening minutes, only for both goals to be disallowed. Still, they kept up the pressure and eventually broke through when Scott Cosslett converted a penalty corner to open the scoring. Just as Pakistan began to finally find their rhythm and enjoy some possession, New Zealand struck again, Jonty Elmes setting up Sam Hiha to double their lead.Early in the second quarter, a long pass into the circle found Dylan Thomas, who reacted quickest to a rebound off the keeper to make it 3-0. Sean Findlay then blasted in a fourth after receiving an aerial pass just inside the circle and somehow slotting it in from the sharpest of angles.Just under 10 minutes later, the Black Sticks were at it again when a lifted ball came off the Pakistani goalkeeper, and Scott Boyde was on hand to swat it home, sending the New Zealanders into the half-time break with a commanding 5-0 lead.Left with a mountain to climb in the second half, Pakistan finally got off the mark in the 33rd minute when Moin Shakeel found the back of the net from close range. Suddenly the men in green sparked to life, creating far more chances and looking threatening. But the New Zealand defence stood firm.The Kiwis added one more goal from a penalty corner in the final three minutes of the match, Cosslett’s second successful drag flick, to rub salt in Pakistan’s wounds. Sufyan Khan then found one last consolation for Pakistan off a penalty corner of their own to make the 6-2 scoreline slightly more respectable.France 3 - 3 Korea (SO: 3-2): France and Korea reignited their rivalry in the bronze medal match, both sides seeking consolation after painful shootout defeats in the semifinals. Fittingly, their battle was once again settled in a shootout, with France emerging victorious to claim third place.The opening quarter was evenly contested until the final seconds, when Louis Haertelmeyer worked his way into the circle and crossed to Benjamin Marqué who fired into the top of the net for a 1–0 French lead. Korea hit back early in the second quarter through a powerful Jihun Yang drag flick from their first penalty corner. With just under five minutes left in the half, a French penalty corner chance went awry, but Viktor Lockwood drove the ball back into the circle with Xavier Esmenjaud’s superb deflection then restoring the lead at 2-1 before the break.France appeared to control much of the third quarter, but with just 28 seconds remaining, Korea earned their second penalty corner of the match. Dohyun Lim maintained their perfect conversion rate, firing home to make it two from two and bring the sides level once again. The Koreans then extended that record with another penalty corner goal from Yang early in the final period to take the lead for the first time. But the French responded immediately with a goal from Corentin Sellier a minute later.The Koreans earned a late penalty corner with under five minutes to go, but this time it did not go their way, and the French held their nerve to clinch the win in the ensuing shootout.Wales 2 - 1 Malaysia: Wales claimed a narrow victory over hosts Malaysia in an entertaining encounter to secure fifth place in the tournament.The first quarter saw action at both ends, with several opportunities in front of goal. It was Malaysia who capitalised in the second period, when Sayed Cholan unleashed a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner that blazed into the bottom left corner, handing the hosts a 1–0 lead.Although Wales enjoyed more possession in the second quarter, the Malaysians looked more threatening on attack. By the third period, Wales had gained control, though. With just over three minutes left in the quarter, Jack Pritchard initially mis-trapped a Welsh penalty corner but recovered quickly, took the ball into the circle, and hammered a shot towards goal. Rhys Bradshaw was perfectly positioned to deflect it in for the equaliser.Wales kept up the momentum in the final quarter, and with just over 10 minutes to play, they struck again from a penalty corner. This time Gareth Furlong fired a low drag flick into the bottom left corner to edge his side 2-1 ahead. The home team launched a late push and thought they had salvaged a dramatic equaliser with just eight seconds left on the clock. However, the goal was ruled out on review, and Wales held on for the win.Japan 2 - 1 South Africa: Japan came from a goal down to defeat former champions South Africa to avoid bottom spot in the tournament.The South Africans took an early lead in the seventh minute thanks to a Calvin Davis drag flick off his side’s second penalty corner of the match. At the other end, Japan’s first effort off a penalty corner hit the post. Just moments later, Trevor de Lora had a golden opportunity to double the South Africans’ lead when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper from a counterattack, but his shot went wide. The second quarter remained goalless largely because of the efforts of SA keeper Hendrik Kriek, who took his side to the half-time break still 1-0 up.Despite dominating possession, South Africa couldn’t make it count, with Japan’s defence holding firm. The third quarter saw two moments of brilliance from Japan that turned the game. An aerial ball from deep in their own half found Ryoma Ooka, who set up Ryosuke Shinohara for an impressive 35th-minute equaliser. Then, a clever behind-the-back flick from Kazumasa Matsumoto allowed Kosei Kawabe to blast them ahead seven minutes later. South Africa pulled their keeper in the final minute and earned a flurry of late penalty corners but, once again, couldn’t capitalise.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Argentina’s women made sure of their place at next year’s FIH Hockey World Cup with a 3-1 victory over China as FIH Hockey Pro League action resumed in Antwerp, London and Berlin on Saturday.While the Netherlands women – already qualified along with co-hosts Belgium – will lift the FIH Hockey Pro League title once again this season, the all-important qualifying spot was still up for grabs heading into Saturday’s matches. However, Argentina’s win ensured they can no longer be caught by China or any other challengers, sealing their qualification in style.Over in London, in a show of support for FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day, Australia’s men took to the field wearing rainbow socks, just as their women’s side had done earlier in the day. The team staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to keep their title hopes alive, while Germany’s men can no longer catch the Dutch at the top of the table after going down to Argentina in Berlin.(Women's) Belgium 5 – 1 India: Belgium gave the home crowd in Antwerp plenty to cheer about with an emphatic 5-1 win over India. The home side started with urgency and won the first penalty corner after just 20 seconds. However, it was India who scored from their first opportunity in the sixth minute, Deepika's drag flick deflecting off the first runner to beat the goalkeeper. Some excellent goalkeeping from both Savita and Elena Sotgiu kept it 1-0 for India at half time.Belgium had dominated all the stats in the first half, and they stepped up their efforts to win 13 penalty corners in the second half alone. Hélène Brasseur equalised in the 37th minute with a reverse stick strike off a broken-down penalty corner. Alix Marien then gave the Red Panthers the lead with her first senior international goal in the 41st, jabbing the ball over the line from a penalty corner as it threatened to trickle wide from the initial save. Ambre Ballenghien added a drag flick, and Brasseur got her second with a penalty corner deflection from the p-spot. Charlotte Englebert then wrapped up the scoring, and the comprehensive win, with a penalty stroke. (Women's) England 0 – 1 Spain: Spain didn't take advantage of the opportunities they created, but did just enough tor a 1-0 win over England in London. England had their first shot inside 30 seconds, but Howard pulled it wide and the home side went on to endure a torrid half. Spain created plenty of chances, but put two shots over the crossbar. The English defended for long periods and only some excellent goalkeeping from Sabbie Heesh kept it goalless at half time.England again managed to create an early chance in the second half, this time being denied by a sharp save from Clara Perez. They failed to assert control though and Spain were soon launching their dangerous attacks again. The English manufactured one great opportunity, intercepting a poor pass out of defence and driving hard at the circle to earn a penalty stroke, but Grace Balsdon pushed it agonisingly wide. (Women's) Argentina 3 – 1 China: An elated Argentina came from behind in their 3-1 win over China to secure their place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Chen Yi got China off to a good start with her successful penalty corner deflection from outside the right post in the second minute. But Maria Ortiz hit back for Argentina, punting one in from scrappy ball in the goalmouth. Victoria Falasco then put Argentina ahead in the 18th minute with a brilliant deflection under huge pressure from the goalkeeper and a defender. Las Leonas had created the better opportunities and deserved their 2-1 lead at half time, but the contest was far from over.China was the better team through a goalless third quarter, but Cristina Cosentino in goal for Argentina was alert to any dangers and kept a clean sheet. The Chinese failed to take advantage of their 6-2 penalty corner advantage in the match, and they ended up pulling their goalkeeper off in a brave attempt to find a goal. Julieta Jankunas had the final word for Argentina in the 58th minute, though, slamming her reverse shot into the empty Chinese net to ensure the win.(Women's) Germany 4 – 0 Australia: Germany started their home leg in Berlin with a crucial 4-0 victory over Australia, lifting themselves off the bottom of the table while they still have two games in hand over England and India below them.Both teams started with good intent, but Germany looked the more dangerous on attack. The early chance fell to the home side and Sara Strauss fired them ahead in the sixth minute with a reverse strike from an acute angle. That ended the scoring for the first half, but Die Danes looked to be very much in control, leading 1-0 at the break.A couple of quick goals at the start of the second half gave Germany a huge advantage. Lynn Krings doubled their lead in the 32nd minute, an Australian defender having no option but to play at her threatening pass across goal and knocking it under her own goalkeeper. Sophia Schwabe added a third goal from open play three minutes later, showing her hunger for goals by getting between a defender and the goalkeeper to score a difficult deflection.The Hockeyroos nearly pulled one back from a penalty corner, but Julia Sonntag got her outstretched right foot to the ball and nudged it wide. Jette Fleschütz then wrapped up the scoring with a good individual goal in the 48th minute, carrying the ball from her own half and finishing with a reverse strike.(Men's) Ireland 2 – 4 Spain: Spain came from behind twice in a nail-biting 4-2 win over a resolute Ireland. The Red Sticks completely dominated the first half, but it was Ireland who snatched a third-minute goal, John McKee sliding in for a high-quality deflection from open play. Bruno Avila restored parity for Spain with his 15th-minute drag flick, and Spain did everything but score during the rest of the half. Goalkeeper Luke Roleston led a brave Irish defensive effort to keep them in contention, and Lee Cole gave them an unlikely 2-1 lead with his 28th-minute penalty stroke following a rare spell of Irish attack.A quiet third quarter seemed to fly by after the excitement of the first half, and Nicolas Alvarez eventually levelled the scores with a well-taken field goal at the start of the final quarter. Spain left things very late, but they finally buried the Irish with two goals in the 58th minute. Alvarez grabbed his second field goal with a deflection in front of goal, and Pepe Cunill added a drag flick to confirm the win.(Men's) Belgium 6 – 3 India: Belgium produced some magical goals in a comprehensive 6-3 win against India in Antwerp. The Belgians earned a penalty corner inside the opening 19 seconds and Arthur van Doren fired them into the lead with his rebound shot. India dominated the second quarter without taking any reward, and Alexander Hendrickx made it 2-0 to Belgium with his 28th-minute drag flick.India were brilliant in the third quarter and Dilpreet Singh halved the deficit in the 36th minute, knocking in a penalty corner after it fell to him off the post man. Mandeep Singh then made it 2-2 with a deflection from open play two minutes later.The match was set for a thrilling finish, and it was Belgium who delivered with three quick goals. Tom Boon made a superb pass from the baseline for Roman Duvekot to steer home in the 49th minute. Victor Foubert then showed his sensational skills, driving into the circle and popping the ball to Thibeau Stockbroekx for a tap-in at the back post in the 53rd. Van Doren added a deflection from open play a minute later.India refused to concede defeat, and Amit Rohidas gave them a glimmer of hope when he crashed a drag flick home in the 56th minute. They pulled their goalkeeper off with four minutes remaining, but Belgium then put the result beyond doubt. Fittingly, it was Tom Boon who scored the winner to become the top goal-scorer in FIH Hockey Pro League history, surpassing the record previously held by Harmanpreet Singh.(Men's) England 3– 4 Australia: Australia's title hopes were on the ropes at two goals down, but Blake Govers led the comeback with a hat-trick to beat England 4-3 in London. There were excellent opportunities for both teams in the opening 90 seconds, Australia winning two penalty corners and England getting a shot from open play. Cooper Burns gave Australia the lead in the fourth minute, showing quick hands in the circle to get his shot away. Zach Wallace then pulled one back with a scrappy field goal in the 13th minute. England found a higher gear in the second quarter, probing in the Australian circle and forcing Jed Snowden to work hard in goal. Henry Croft scored on debut for England when he picked up an aerial on the p-spot and found the goal with three defenders trying to shut him down from all angles. A good glove save from James Mazarelo in open play and a frantic goal-line scramble off a penalty corner kept England in front, and Sam Hooper made it 3-1 on the stroke of half time with a sizzling drag flick.Australia were much better in the second half, helped by England receiving two green cards in the third quarter. Govers pulled one back for the Kookaburras with his 39th-minute drag flick, which deflected off a defender's glove to beat Mazarelo. He then levelled the scores in the 46th minute with an enormous strike from a penalty corner, and completed his hat-trick with a diving deflection from open play a minute later to secure the crucial three points.(Men's) Germany 2 – 3 Argentina: Argentina fired in three goals in a productive third quarter, fighting back from two goals down for a 3-2 win over hosts Germany in Berlin. The Germans started well and Michel Struthoff put them ahead when his slip from the baseline deflected off a defender in the seventh minute. Paul-Philipp Kaufmann then doubled the lead with a deflection from a penalty corner variation to the right side. Argentina were gifted a free shot at goal when the German defenders stepped out of position, believing a free hit had been awarded to them, but goalkeeper Alexander Stadler somehow made the save to keep it 2-0 at half time.Argentina commanded the third quarter, and Bautista Capurro pulled one back for them in the 36th minute with a good deflection from open play. Lucio Mendez then equalised in the 43rd minute, receiving the ball in the circle behind the defence and roofing his reverse shot. A minute later, Tomas Domene fired Argentina ahead, drifting into space for an almost identical strike to that of Mendez. The Germans survived a barrage of Argentinian penalty corners in the middle of the fourth quarter, and the match ended in dramatic fashion. Germany won a penalty corner after a referral with time up on the clock, but Nicolas Della Torre on the post tickled the shot wide to secure the full three points.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Pakistan roared back against France in the first semi-final, causing a real upset in beating Les Bleus 3-2 on penalties. Led by the mercurial creative powers of Waheeb Ashraf Rana, Pakistan will be playing for a spot in the FIH Men’s Pro League against New Zealand in the final. The Blacksticks won a penalty shootout of their own, beating Korea despite a strong comeback thanks to the impressive Korean penalty corner battery. The 3rd/4th place play-off will be a repeat of the incredible Day 1 game that finished 6-5 between France and Korea.Wales 6-4 JapanBoth sides began the 5th-8th place play-offs searching for their first win. Wales’s Fred Newbold opened the scoring on his reverse in the ninth minute, smartly beating Kisho Kuroda at his near post. Japan responded four minutes into the second quarter with a penalty corner excellently guided between ‘keeper and left-post defender by a diving Ryoma Ooka. Less than a minute later, however, and Wales had a deflection of their own after Joylon Morgan got a stick to Gareth Furlong’s penetrating slap to re-establish the Welsh lead. As the first-half neared its close, Japan won another penalty corner, one that was mis-trapped, passed back and across the circle before Koji Yamasaki volleyed a forehand hit across goal to equalise going into half-time.Two minutes into the second half and the goals started to flow even more freely. Kazumasa Matsumoto’s rifled shot clattered against the backboard to give Japan a lead and, just a few possessions later, Sam Welsh knocked in another Welsh goal to make it 3-3. The goal, coming from Jack Pritchard’s explosive spinning assist, lifted Wales to find the lead again, this time Morgan slicing a reverse bunt over the ‘keeper. Koji Yamasaki was shown a yellow card with a minute left in the third quarter and Wales capitalised, Joylon Morgan getting a bit of fortune for his hat-trick goal as his cross-goal slap pinballed its way over the goalline. The final quarter saw a Gareth Furlong drag-flick and a Kosei Kawabe consolation cancel each other out to leave the score 6-4 and send Wales through to the 5th-6th place play-off with their first win of the tournament.Malaysia 4-2 South AfricaAfter a gut-wrenching failure to qualify for Malaysia, the host nation came into the game with work to do and fans to recompense. They struck first with a minute left in the first quarter, as Syed Cholan slugged a rapid drag-flick against the backboard from Malaysia’s third penalty corner. Into the second quarter, again with a minute until the end of the period, South Africa quickly turned over a Malaysian counter-attack and sent the ball deep into the hosts’ half. A defensive fumble in the circle fell to Angelo Walstroom who confidently equalised.After gifting an equalising goal to the South Africans, Malaysia took charge of the game in the third quarter as Shafiq Hassan wrestled in a chance created by the scything carry of Chohan and good skill from Abu Kamal Azrai. Hassan created the next one himself, cutting infield and shooting before Akhimullah Anuar bumbled the ball over the line to extend the hosts’ lead. South Africa threatened another comeback in the final quarter as Carlon Mentoor’s firm slap found the bottom corner but Fitri Saari’s ended the scrappy play in the circle by restoring Malaysia’s two-goal lead. South Africa will have to wait for their first win of the tournament but will hope to get it tomorrow against Japan.France 3 (2) - 3 (3) PakistanFrance, after a strong showing in the pool stages, faced Pakistan in the first semi-final and the most exciting game of the day. The first quarter remained goalless despite five penalty corners being exchanged, one for Pakistan, four for France. In the second quarter, Xavier Esmenjaud threw himself forward with an outstretched stick to put Les Bleus in the lead, touching in a ball across goal. Early in the second half, France doubled their lead, as the inevitable Victor Charlet converted France’s fifth penalty corner to give France a real boost towards the final.Pakistan roared back into the game, however, overturning France the dominance and control as Waheed Ashraf Rana set up Afraz’s slap shot before both erupted into celebrations that marked the shift in momentum. Sufyan Khan joined the party, letting fly an unsaveable drag-flick into the top left corner and finding parity with the French. A minute later, Muhammad Hammadudin fantastically deflected in Rana’s flat reverse hit to go 3-2 up. Victor Charlet, of course, stepped up with two minutes to play for the French, as his deflected flick equalised with two minutes to go. Pakistan went on to win the penalty shootout using just four of their five attempts as France failed to convert chances even after they had wrongfooted the ‘keeper. Pakistan head to their second Nations Cup final in as many years looking to go one better than they did last year.After Waheeb Ashraf Rana’s creativity and winning penalty named him Player of the Match, he said: “We were ready for this win for a long time. 110 percent effort from the boys’ side Everything we have – we gave everything. [We are] thankful to Allah almighty for helping us. We are really proud of the team and looking forward to the finals now.”New Zealand 2 (4) - 2 (2) KoreaThe final game of the day began with two stunning goals, both from New Zealand. At the end of a relatively subdued first quarter, Scott Boyde’s lasered slap was deflected in on the turn by Jonty Elmes, who redirected the ball into the bottom right corner whilst wrongfooting Kim Jaehan in goal. Dylan Thomas one-upped his teammate however, dancing in from the sideline to turn a relatively innocuous possession into one of the goals of the tournament. After swiftly beating three Korean defenders, he sent a flick up into the roof of the net to double the Blackstick lead. From then, as Pakistan had in the game before, Korea chipped away at their opponents 2-0 lead. First to make a dent was drag-flicker Lim Dohyun who manufactured the angle needed to beat Dominic Dixon past his helpless right foot from Korea’s second penalty corner. Yang Jihun piled in on the act, rocketing his third quarter drag-flick into the bottom right and pulling scores level. The momentum flitted back and forth between the two teams until the final whistle took the sides to another penalty shootout. Kim Jaehan made a good save to deny the first Blackstick penalty but after Korea failed to convert their first two, New Zealand always had the upper hand to win the shootout and make it to the final. Korea, after a fantastic tournament already, will face France in the 3rd/4th place play-off.

Lausanne, Switzerland(PR):  Monday's lone FIH Hockey Pro League fixture offered plenty of drama in an enthralling clash in Amsterdam. The Netherlands men did just enough to complete the double over India and stretch their lead at the top of the table.(Men's) Netherlands 3 – 2 IndiaThe Netherlands boosted their title hopes with a riveting 3-2 win over a fired-up Indian side who were left to rue a poor conversion rate from their nine penalty corners.Both teams created great scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra missing narrowly for India, and Tjep Hoedemakers clattering one into the post for the Netherlands. India held the initial advantage, though, making numerous pass intercepts and one-on-one steals that led to regular circle entries.India carried their momentum into the second period and went ahead in the 20th minute. Playing in his 100th match for India, Abhishek sent a blistering strike into the roof of the net. The Dutch gradually settled into the game, though, and equalised four minutes later. Captain Thierry Brinkman crabbed some distance along the baseline before popping the ball across goal for Thijs van Dam to swat it in from waist height. The scores were locked 1-1 at half time.Tjep Hoedemakers gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, when his high-quality deflection from close range gave goalkeeper Pathak no chance to adjust his angles. Pathak got a good touch to disrupt the Dutch a couple of minutes later, though, and India finished the third period in the ascendancy with a flurry of attacks and penalty corners.With just one goal separating the teams, there was no thought of playing conservatively in the final quarter. Both teams had chances before Jugraj Singh equalised for India with a 54th-minute drag flick. Kumar Upadhyay Lalit then very nearly upset the home fans, stealing a loose ball off the last Dutch defender, but his cheeky lobbed shot was gloved away by a frantically backpedalling Maurits Visser. The winning goal came with just three minutes remaining, when Jip Janssen's drag flick sealed the victory for the Dutch.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): Pakistan born, Rana Nawaz to lead Allince International Hockey Club team in the forthcoming World Masters Hockey European Championship (European Continental Championship), scheduled to take place in Spain in June 2025.According to details, a Holland based Alliance International Hockey Club will take part in the World Masters European Championship 2025, in which fifteen hockey teams from European countries will fight for the title including England, Spain, Wales, Scotland, Alliance International, Netherlands, Germany, France, Turkey and Ireland.The opening match of the European Hockey Championship will be played on June 20, while the final match of the qualified teams will be played on June 29. Alliance International Hockey Team Captain Rana Mohammad Nawaz said that the Alliance International Hockey Team, in which former legends and famous players will participate, will be Olympian Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, Olympian Shahbaz Junior, Olympian Irfan Mahmood, Mohammad Irfan International, Ehsanullah Khan International, Mohammad Adnan Ashraf International, Shabbir Hassan International, Amir Shahzad International, Khurram Shahzad International, Mohammad Riasat International, Muaz. Munir, Samiullah Khan, Noor Rana and other players including Canadian International will participate. The team physio will be Dr. Mohammad Amir Farooq. He said that it is a great honor for me to represent the Alliance International Hockey Team and perform the duties of captain. The morale of our team players is high and we will achieve significant success in the Eurocontinental Championship.

Sports Bulletin ReportWAH CANTT: A 10-day long training camp for the Pakistan National Hockey Team led by head Coach Olympian Tahir Zaman and Coach Olympian Mohammad Usman concluded here at the state-of-the-art POF Sports Complex on Thursday.The officials of Pakistan hockey federation (PHF) told newsmen that camp was organized in connection to preparations of the Pakistani team for the upcoming FIH Men’s Nations Cup. The prestigious international tournament will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from June 15 to June 21, 2025. “The PHF is optimistic that the junior team will deliver strong performances in Malaysia and make a mark on the international stage”, officials said. Officials; Olympians: Head Coach Tahir Zaman (National Bank), Assistant Coach Muhammad Usman (PIA), and Assistant Coach Zeeshan Ashraf (National Bank).Names of participants:Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (Mari Energy), Waqar (WAPDA), Umair Ali (WAPDA), Owais Rashid (Customs); Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Mohammad Abdullah, Arshad Liaquat (Mari Energy); Hammaduddin Anjum, Mohammad Sameen, Tanzeem ul Hassan (WAPDA); Abdul Manan, Usama Bashir, and Rizwan Ali (Pakistan Air Force) Imad Shakeel Butt, Faizan, Faisal Qadir from National Bank, Izhar (Punjab); Moin Shakeel, Mohib Ullah (WAPDA), Zakaria Hayat (Navy), Ghazanfar Ali Rana Sohail Riaz (Customs), Arslan (Army), Umar Mustafa (Mari Energy), Mubashir Amin (POF), Haseem (Punjab), Farhan Tariq (Rangers) Abdul Rehman and Mohsin Khan (Air Force); Salman Razzaq, Ejaz Ahmed, Owais Arshad, and Abdul Hannan Shahid (WAPDA); Afraz (Mari Energy), Rana Waleed (Navy); Nowhaiz Zahid Malik (National Bank), Mohammad Younis (Quetta).

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan will participate in the third edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for Men’s, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 15-21 June 2025. Besides hosts Malaysia, France, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Wales will fight for top honour.Malaysian Hockey Confederation President, Subahan bin Kamal said: “The Malaysian Hockey Confederation is delighted and privileged to host the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25 in Kuala Lumpur. We are grateful to FIH in entrusting us to host this amazing event for the very first time. We are excited and believe this tournament will definitely bring the best of world hockey talents to Malaysia. We would also like to thank our Honourable Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in supporting our effort in hosting this event.”FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s a true delight to go back to Malaysia with one of our major events. Our hosts have always been wonderful hockey tournament organisers and the same will prevail again for this Men’s Nations Cup that will qualify the winners for the next edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our Malaysian friends. I already wish everyone, and first and foremost the athletes, to make the most of this experience to grow, and reach the next level”. The FIH Hockey Nations Cup was launched in 2021 with the aim of offering a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and giving the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League the next season, precisely. The first two editions were played in Potchefstroom, South Africa (2022) and Gniezno, Poland (2024). The inaugural Nations Cup (men) was won by South Africa, the following one by New Zealand. 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Powered by two second-period goals, Norway kept its playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 win over Hungary on Sunday. Goalie Ena Nystrom shone in recording her first tournament shutout with 45 saves.Winless and goalless through three games, Hungary is in danger of becoming the only team to go through an IIHF Women's World Championship without scoring since Kazakhstan in 2007. The Kazakhs were outscored 26-0 through four games in their first-ever top-division stint in Winnipeg.Asked to explain Hungary's lack of offence, forward Emma Kreisz said: "It's hard to find an answer to that. I really think that we do our best, and for some reason, it just doesn't want to bounce in for us. We are not sure why, but we have to keep going, and we are here to fight tomorrow as well." Each team has one Group B game remaining, and neither matchup is easy. Hungary faces Germany on Monday and Norway takes on Sweden on Tuesday.“Sweden is a tough team," said Nystrom. "They like to have the puck on their sticks, which we're comfortable with that. It's going to be fun. We know them well too. A lot of our girls know them from the SDHL and playing against them for a few years."Sunday's victory was a long time coming for Norway. The last time Norway won a top-division Women’s Worlds game was 7-4 over Switzerland on 16 April 1994 in Lake Placid, New York. The Norwegians now have a total of five wins all-time at this level.Coach Pat Cortina’s squad arguably deserved a better fate after outshooting Norway 11-4 through 20 minutes. Hungary has fired 24 or more shots on net in all three of its games so far, but at times it's been quantity over quality. Generally speaking, the Hungarians have been a bit too deliberate and tentative in their offensive thrusts and have had problems with the pace at this level.Norway drew first blood 56 seconds into the second period. Blueliner Andrine Furulund fired a wrister from the right point that beat Hungarian starter Aniko Nemeth through traffic."It was fun to get the first goal in the game," said Furulund. "We just got more energy and we just fought from there.”Just past the eight-minute mark of the second, Hungary almost connected on a 2-on-1 off a neutral-zone turnover, but Nystrom stuck out her right pad to deny Kinga Jokai-Szilagyi in close. At 9:46, Emma Bergesen doubled the Norwegian lead. In the Hungarian end, a puck ricocheted to the assistant captain, and she skated to the top of the left faceoff circle before shooting it high past Aniko Nemeth on the glove side."I've known her since she was very little, and I've seen her progress," Nystrom said of Bergesen. "She's awesome. She plays hard every night, and she has skill with the puck too. It's nice to have a really good two-way defenceman in front of me, and I trust her, as we all do."Midway through the third period, the ice opened up during a 4-on-4 sequence. But Nystrom barred the door with the likes of Taylor Baker and Reka Hiezl swarming her crease and firing from all angles during the ensuing abbreviated Hungarian power play.Despite the enthusiastic chanting and drumming of Hungary's famous supporters section, there was to be no dramatic late comeback, even with Hungary outshooting Norway 21-4 in the final stanza.Furulund hailed Nystrom's bravura performance: "She was outstanding. She’s a wall back there. If it wasn’t for her, it could be different, but she’s our wall, and that’s important for us."Aniko Nemeth was pulled for the extra attacker with under three minutes left, but Millie Rose Sirum added an empty-netter at 19:15."Obviously it was nice seeing the puck today," Nystrom said. "I think our D played really well too in front of me. Our centres blocked some shots too, and that's important. We know that we allow a decent amount of shots in this group, and we're okay with that. We just want to allow them in the right places and pick up sticks, and I think we did a good job of that today." (Thanks to Lucas Aykroyd) 

Sports Bulletin ReportSantiago (Chile): Japan staged a stunning comeback against Korea, overturning a 3-1 halftime deficit to win 5-4 in an action-packed match. Scotland secured their place in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup with a 2-0 victory over Canada, who now face a relegation battle. In the semi-finals, Ireland edged past the USA 2-1, while New Zealand triumphed over Chile in a tense shootout after a 1-1 draw. Japan 5-4 Korea: The first match of the day at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup was action packed. For Korea it was almost a carbon copy of their first game of the tournament against New Zealand. Korea started off strong with two goals in the first quarter, a quick pull to the right and a low hard shot by Hyejin Cho opened the scoring, followed by a clever reverse sweep into the far corner by Sunghee Jung, put Korea up 2-1 in the first quarter. Korea continued to show dominance in the first half controlling the pace of the game, they entered the half with a 3-1 lead.It was as if The Cherry Blossoms woke up in the second half, their team truly coming alive and playing together as a unit. They were able to fight back from their two-goal deficit to win the game 5-4. The Japanese team was ecstatic with their ability to come back and win, as stated by the player of the match, Rui Takashima: “This was a tough game today, but we continue to play hard so we can get the win!”.Scotland 2-0 Canada: The second match of the day provided a scoreless first half, however the score line does not accurately portray the efforts of both teams. Canada was strong in defence, as they have been this entire tournament. The Wolfpack were able to hold off ten penalty corners in the first half, thanks to brilliant defensive efforts by Elise Wong and Sarah Goodman. The Canadians even had a chance to take the lead with a full team build up play from Thora Rae, down the line to Nora Goddard-Despot who swung it across the face of the goal to Natalie Sourisseau. Unfortunately, Mikayla Stelling missed the final touch which would have put Canada in the lead.The second half is where Scotland took over the match, scoring two goals in the third quarter. Both goals were perfectly placed low and hard shots which whizzed past the Canadian keeper. Scotland finished out the match with this 2-0 lead, saving their spot in the FIH Nations Cup.Ireland 2-1 USA: Ireland versus USA was a back-and-forth semi-final battle. The Americans brought the heat in the first half, forcing Ireland to concede their first goal of the tournament. Madeline Zimmer (USA) poached a pass off Ireland, and cruised into the circle, finishing the goal by smashing it into the far-left hand corner in just the 4th minute of play. Ireland managed to battle their way back to 1-1 at half by securing a penalty stroke scored by Roisin Upton.The momentum seemed to shift in the second half, with Ireland creating more and more opportunities. Kathryn Mullan (IRL) received a bobbling ball at the top of the circle and used the bounce of the ball to breeze past two defenders and slot the ball into the net.Chile 1-1 (1-3 SO) New Zealand: After an electric end-to-end battle, the second semi-final of the day ended at regulation time in a 1-1 draw, forcing Chile and New Zealand to face off in a shootout. The Black Sticks were able to come away with the win, after scoring three goals in the shootout, and Chile only scoring one. The Black Sticks were led in this shootout by experienced goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon. 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): New Zealand secured a 3-1 victory over Scotland, overturning an early deficit to clinch a semi-final spot. Ireland continued their dominant run with a 2-0 win against Korea, maintaining their perfect defensive record in the group stage. Chile topped Pool B after a 3-1 win over the USA, capitalizing on penalty corners, while Japan edged Canada 2-1 with a late goal.New Zealand 3-1 Scotland: To start the final day of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, New Zealand finished out the final group match with a 3-1 win over Scotland. Scotland began the match with a bang scoring in just the 2nd minute. Scotland hung on to their lead for just over twenty minutes, however New Zealand proved to be more clinical in the circle.Korea 0-2 Ireland; Korea played as a strong defensive unit for much of the first half, not allowing many chances for The Green Army. However, with a charging run into the circle, a fake a shot, and a smooth finish through the keepers’ legs, Sarah Torrans scored Ireland’s first goal of the match in the 25th minute.The second half proved much of the same, Korea played well defensively but struggled to put many scoring attempts together. In the 51st minute Ireland sealed the deal with an open shot from Christina Hamill at the top of the circle and a reaching touch by Mikayla Power to deflect it into the top of the net.Chile 3-1 USA: It was a story of penalty corners in the third match of the day, with Chile scoring three penalty corners, allowing them to claim top of Pool B on home soil. The USA’s performance was a frustrating one, with a penalty corner goal disallowed in the first half which would have tied the game and potentially changed the momentum.The second half brought more pressure from the Americans, but they failed to convert their chances. Another penalty corner was denied, and a penalty stroke miss defined the USA’s second half. While Maria Maldonado managed to score Chile’s third goal of the night on the fourth consecutive penalty corner, providing a cherry on top of her 100th match with Las Diablas.Japan 2-1 Canada: The first half of this match proved to be a stalemate, with neither Japan nor Canada earning a spot on the scoresheet. Canada’s defensive strength was led by Anna Mollenhauer and Sarah Goodman who played huge roles in the first half shut out. The Cherry Blossoms did look to be the better team offensively, as they created multiple circle entries and earned several penalty corners near the end of the half.The Canadian Wolfpack had an unfortunate start to the second half with only nine players on the field due to a yellow and a green card. Japan took advantage of this opportunity by opening the scoring on a penalty corner. Canada quickly responded with their first goal of the tournament by Kathleen Leahy just minutes later. At the very start of the fourth quarter Rui Takashima blazed through the Canadian defence with a zigzagging run setting up an open goal tap in for Hiroka Murayama to win the match for Japan 2-1.