Hockey - Int News
Scotland Men Chase Historic First World Cup as Qualifiers Beckon
Lausanne (Sports News): Scotland men’s hockey stand on the brink of history as they prepare for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, with captain Rob Field describing the opportunity as something players “dream about as kids”.For Scotland, qualification would mark a first-ever appearance at a men's FIH Hockey World Cup, a milestone that adds extra meaning to the challenge ahead.“To captain the team is a real honour,” said Field. “And knowing it could be the pathway to our first-ever World Cup makes it even more special. It’s something you dream about as a kid.”While the stakes are high, Field believes the balance between excitement and pressure is one the squad is embracing rather than fearing.“There’s definitely a mix of excitement and pressure, but I see that as a positive thing,” he explained. “The excitement comes from the opportunity. Not many groups get the chance to create history, and that’s something we’re embracing.”Scotland arrive at the qualifiers in Santiago, Chile with a squad that blends youth, form and growing experience on the international stage. Despite not having previously featured at a World Cup, the team has steadily built belief through recent campaigns. “We’ve got a really exciting group of players right now,” Field said. “There’s a lot of quality in the squad, a number of guys in great form, and I genuinely believe we play a brand of hockey that’s exciting. That gives us confidence.”Key to that confidence is the experience gained from recent FIH tournaments and continental competitions, including last year’s triumph at the inaugural FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup 2.“We’re a relatively young group, but we’ve also been together for a while,” Field noted. “A lot of our younger players have already experienced multiple international tournaments. Winning the Nations Cup 2 showed us that we can handle the pressure of knockout hockey and that we can find ways to win.”For Field, the prospect of leading Scotland onto the world’s biggest stage is deeply personal, but the focus remains firmly on the task at hand.“Absolutely, it would be a dream come true,” he said. “Representing your country at a World Cup is the highest level of the game, and to help Scotland reach one for the first time would be incredibly special.”“We’re trying not to get too far ahead of ourselves,” Field added. “The focus is on taking each game as it comes and giving ourselves the best possible chance to make that dream a reality.”As the qualifiers approach, Scotland men carry not only the hopes of a squad, but the possibility of making history for their nation.
Hockey Team Training Camp to Start on January 5 in Islamabad
PHF asks 35 players to join camp, Green Shirts to participate in Pro League next monthAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: National hockey team training camp to commence on January 5, here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 35 players to report manager, aiming to enhance game skills before playing the Pro Hockey League, which will be held from February 10 to 15, 2026, at Hobart, Australia.Names of players:Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muneeb ur Rehman, Mohammad Waqar Khan, Ali Raza, Mohammad Faizan Janjua, Bilal Khan (goalkeeper),Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Mohammad Abdullah, Ammaduddin Anjum, Abdul Manan, Ammad Shakil Butt, Usama Bashir, Arbaz Ahmed, Abu Bakar Mehmood (Deep Defenders)Moin Shakil, Zikriya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Arshad Laiquat, Juaid Manzoor, Mohammad Salman Razzak, Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Muhibullah (Midfielders)Abdul Hannan Shahid, Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Afraz Khan, Rana Waheed, Rana Mohammad Waleed, Ahmed Nadeem, Mohammad Ammad, Abdul Qayyum, Basharat Ali, Umair Sattar, Hamza Fayyaz, Abu Zar, Rafiullah Khan (Strikers)Technical Officials:Anjum Saeed (Manager), Tahir Zaman (Head Coach), Mohammad Usman (Assistant Coach), Zeeshan Ashraf (Assistant Coach), Mukhtar Ahmed (Trainee Coach), Mazhar Abbas (Goalkeeper Coach), Nadeem Khan Lodhi (Video Analyst), Mohammad Aslam (Masseur).
FIH Hockey Pro League: England men's coach Zak Jones says about their preparations
Lausanne (Sports News): As we inch ever closer to the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season on 9 December, we are excited to bring you an exclusive pre-season interview series with players and coaches from the world’s top hockey nations participating in the “League of the Best”.This series will dive into the minds of the sport’s finest athletes and coaches, uncovering their thoughts on the upcoming season, personal goals, and the strategies their teams are crafting to compete at the highest level. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these interviews provide a unique glimpse into the passion, preparation, and drive that fuel the teams vying for glory.In today’s interview we speak with Zak Jones, coach of the England men’s hockey team...What does the FIH Hockey Pro League mean to the squad?We love the challenge and privilege of playing the other top teams in the world an enjoy the experiences of playing in different conditions and environments. It is also provides us with a regular opportunity to measure up where we are and how we are progressing as a team. How are the preparations going? Preparations are going well. We have enjoyed being back together training regularly since late September and we are very excited about what the new additions to our coaching team Robert van der Horst, Ashley Jackson and David Ames are bringing to our environment. The FIH Hockey Pro League is the 'league of the best', how does competing in the league develop the players? Playing against the best teams in different conditions and environments and learning how to manage travel etc and still perform is something that challenges the players in so many different ways both on and off the pitch. It is a combination of all those experiences that aids and accelerates their growth and development. What are the aims for the 2025/26 season?To keep trying to play a high tempo, attacking style of hockey and produce performances more consistently throughout the tournament. In the last edition we started really well but tailed off a little towards the end so the challenge will be to start well again and then maintain our level. Where is the squad's favourite venue? Argentina has definitely been a favourite in recent years but playing at home in Lee Valley in front of our fantastic own fans definitely has to be the highlight.
Pakistan thrash Bangladesh 10-3 in final game of three-match tie
Islamabad (Sports News): Penalty corner specialist Mohammad Sufyan Khan delivered an outstanding performance with a double hat-trick.In Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the ongoing World Cup Qualifying Round, Pakistan won the third and final match of the three-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh by a one-sided margin of 10–3.From Pakistan’s side, Mohammad Sufyan Khan showcased exceptional skill by scoring six goals with a double hat-trick, Abdul Rehman scored two, while Nadeem Ahmed and Rana Waleed scored one goal each.From Bangladesh, Abdullah, Raqeeb Hasan, and Ashraf-ul-Hasan scored one goal each. Mohammad Sufyan Khan was declared the Man of the Match.President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti and Secretary General Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali Khan congratulated the national team on winning the series.
Pakistan beat Bangladesh 8-0 and unbeatable lead in a three-match series
Dhaka (Sports News): Pakistan beat Bangladesh 8-0 in the second match of the three-match series.For Pakistan, Mohammad Sufyan Khan and Rana Waheed Ashraf scored two goals each, while Rana Waleed, Hannan Shahid, Afraz, and Imad Butt scored one goal each.The last match of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series will be played on 16 November.
FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025: One Month to Go
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The wait is nearly over. In just one month, the world’s most promising Rising Stars of men’s hockey will gather in the heart of south India for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, taking place from 28 November to 10 December 2025 in Chennai and Madurai. This edition will make history as the first-ever FIH Junior Hockey World Cup to feature 24 teams, expanding the global reach of the sport and giving more nations than ever before, the chance to compete on hockey’s biggest youth stage. From traditional powerhouses like Argentina, India and Germany, to exciting debutants like Switzerland, China and Namibia, the expanded format promises more matches, more stories, and more opportunities for emerging talent to shine.Hosted in the cities of Chennai and Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India the tournament is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. With state-of-the-art venues, vibrant fan culture, and the electric atmosphere of Indian hockey, this event will showcase the future of the game in its purest, most energetic form.Pool A: Canada, Germany, Ireland, South AfricaPool B: Chile, India, Oman, SwitzerlandPool C: Argentina, China, Japan, New Zealand Pool D: Belgium, Egypt, Spain, NamibiaPool E: Austria, England, Malaysia, NetherlandsPool F: Australia, Bangladesh, France, KoreaThe pool stage matches will be played from 28 November to 2 December, followed by knockout matches from 4 to 10 December..
Junior World Cup: Pakistan play 3-3 draw against high ranked India
Islamabad (SBR): Pakistan produced remarkable performance in the ongoing 13th Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 being played in Johor, Malaysia, as they played 3-3 draw against heavyweight India on Tuesday.For Pakistan, the first goal was scored through a penalty stroke, while the other two goals came via penalty corners. The first goal was netted in the 5th minute by Captain Hannan Shahid, while Mohammad Sufyan Khan scored the second and third goals in the 39th and 55th minutes, respectively.For India, Arjit, Anand, and Manmeet Singh each scored one goal. India was also awarded a penalty stroke. Overall, Pakistan earned 6 and India 9 penalty corners. Pakistan successfully converted two of its penalty corners into goals and scored one via penalty stroke, while India failed to capitalize on any of its penalty corners. Mohammad Sufyan Khan was declared the Man of the Match.The Pakistan Junior Hockey Team will play its fourth match against New Zealand on October 15, and the fifth match against Australia on October 17.
Johor Cup 2025: Great Britain beat Pakistan 5-1
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Great Britain beat Pakistan 5-1 in the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 being held in Johor, Malaysia.Pakistan started the game with an impressive performance but, unfortunately, missed several clear goal opportunities. On the other hand, Great Britain outplayed Pakistan, scoring five goals to Pakistan’s one. For Great Britain, Jonny and Henry scored two goals each, while Caddy scored one. Pakistan only goal came from Mohammad Sufyan Khan through a penalty corner.The Pakistan Junior Hockey Team will play its third match against traditional rivals India on October 14, fourth match against New Zealand on October 15, and fifth match against Australia on October 17.
Junior World Cup: Pakistan outclass Malaysia 7-2
Sports Bulletin ReportJohor (Malaysia): Pakistan stunned hosts Malaysia 7-2 in their opening match of the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 being played in Johor, Malaysia.Penalty corner specialist Mohammad Sufyan Khan delivered an outstanding performance, scoring three goals through penalty corners to complete a hat-trick, and was declared Man of the Match.From Pakistan’s side, Mohammad Sufyan Khan opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a penalty corner, and added another goal in the 21st minute, also from a penalty corner. The third goal was scored by captain Abdul Hannan Shahid in the 30th minute, the fourth by Nadeem Khan in the 32nd minute, the fifth again by Mohammad Sufyan Khan in the 34th minute, the sixth by Nadeem Khan in the 44th minute, and the seventh by Hamza Fayyaz in the 52nd minute. For Malaysia, Ammar and Azeemuddin scored one goal each.Upcoming Fixtures:12 October: Great Britain vs Pakistan14 October: Pakistan vs India15 October: New Zealand vs Pakistan17 October: Pakistan vs Australia
German men qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Lausanne (Switzerland): At the ongoing EuroHockey Championships 2025, following their progression into the final of the competition, Germany have qualified for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026!Germany will take on the Netherlands in the final, but as hosts of the event, Netherlands are already assured of a place at the upcoming World Cup, which leaves Germany to take the direct qualification spot available from Europe to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.Germany started off their EuroHockey campaign, at home in Mönchengladbach, with an absolute thriller against France in the Pool B. France held a two-goal lead going into the final ten minutes of the match but two goals from Justus Weigand and one from Gonzalo Peillat saw the hosts roar back and take all three points. A tight 1-1 draw against England followed, putting Germany firmly in command of Pool B. A final flourish in their last pool game against Poland, which they won 10-0, sent the Honamas into the semi-final as the table toppers, ahead of France who finished second in the pool.Germany were pitted against Spain in the second semi-final. Just over a month ago, Spain had pipped Germany to a World Cup qualification spot at the end of the FIH Hockey Pro League season by denying the Honamas victory in their final two matches of the season in Berlin. This time however Germany turned the tables on the Red Sticks. The Honamas were in the lead throughout the match, scoring two goals in the first quarter. Whilst they conceded a goal in the second one - putting the scoring at 2-1 at half-time - they added a third and a fourth one on the scoresheet in the last quarter, giving Spain no chance for a potential come-back.Commenting on Germany’s qualification for FIH’s flagship event, Justus Weigand said: “Obviously happy to qualify for the World Cup! After our FIH Hockey Pro League match against Spain we were a little bit disappointed. Tonight, in front of our home crowd, winning this match and qualifying for both the World Cup and the final of the EuroHockey Championship is a special feeling. Hopefully we can win the final against the Netherlands!”Germany become the sixth men’s team to qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Australia and Spain qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina secured their qualification recently by winning the Pan American Cup. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine three more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.(SBR)
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