Sports Bulletin

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan men’s hockey team overpowered South Korea 3-1 in the first match of the 4-Test match tie here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex, on Thursday. Mohammad Sufyan scored two goals while skipper Mohammad Abubakar scored one for Pakistan. Jang Ji-Hun scored the solitary goal for South Korea.Both teams started the game at a slow, cautious pace. They tried their best to keep the ball in control, as the first quarter ended goalless. Pakistan made a couple of attempts but could not move the scoreboard. Meanwhile, in the second quarter, the hosts earned the lead when Sufyan penalty corner push went into the goalpost. Jang Ji leveled the match 1-1 after scoring a goal on short-corner.

Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD: The South Korea men's national hockey team arrived in the capital city Islamabad on Tuesday day to play a four-match Series, which will be kicked off on July 30 here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.According to an official of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the first Test will be played at 6:00 p.m. on July 30, while the remaining matches are scheduled for August 1, August 4, and August 7, with all games set to begin at the same time.The series forms a key part of Pakistan's build-up to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The four-match contest against one of Asia's leading hockey nations is expected to provide valuable international exposure, allowing the national team's coaching staff to assess player performances and finalize combinations ahead of the global event.The PHF has also announced that the second leg of the bilateral series will be staged in South Korea. Pakistan's national team is scheduled to tour South Korea in September, ahead of the Asian Games, for another series of international fixtures as both countries continue their preparations for upcoming major tournaments.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Chairman, National Selection Committee (NSC) of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), and former hockey legend Samiullah Khan hoped that Pakistan national hockey team would produce acceptable results in the forthcoming FIH Men’s World Cup Hockey Tournament, which would be rolled into action next month from August 15, 2026 in two European nations, Belgium and Netherlands simultaneously.While talking to Editor www.sports-bulletin.com Abdul Jabbar Faisal here at Nasser Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Thursday, he further said, “We have around one month for hockey showpiece and foreign coaches are working with the team. Boys are improving the game day by day. England, India and Wales are in our group and we will have to win at least two matches to reach in quarterfinals. Players have the abilities to overcome heavy weights India and England. Despite of facing defeats against both countries recently in FIH Pro-League we can beat high ranked hockey nations because Green Shirts lost first match against India and England by a close margin. After removing the flaws we can challenge traditional foes India in the world cup match, “he elaborated.To a question, he said that Pakistan should reach in top-8 in the world ranking of International Hockey Federation (FIH) and PHF started a long term plan to achieve the targets. “When we will be in the top eight team of world then we will be able to claim upset victories in the upcoming international fixtures. We can move ahead step by step and we should focus on the all the aspects. There is need to promote the hockey at the grass-root level and incentives must be given to players to attract them toward national game hockey. We do not have enough nursery of hockey at lower level. Government support and sponsorship is essential to uplift the standard of game in the country, “he added.A question regarding hiring the services of overseas hockey coaches, Samiullah said, “I am personally not in the favour of foreign mentors and I thing we need physical trainer because the guys are lacking in stamina and fitness, which is very important and basic aspect. However, I saw here the players are toiling hard under the foreign coaches and coaches are also doing smart work with the lads this is good and positive sign for our hockey. It seems that coaches are doing a good and appreciate able job. I hope they will establish a good combination before the hockey world cup 2026. PHF hired three persons, one head coach, one goalkeeper coach and one trainer from different countries, “he said.“Unfortunately, no one knows the name of national hockey players and I was also not aware the names of national players before taking the new honourary responsibilities and I got the data and information about these guy. To raise the stander of hockey, PHF and all other stake holder will have to focus on basic issues and needs of players, including financial, diet, training and other incentives. We need to take the tangible steps and to form a long term strategy to reach on the top in world hockey again. We have tremendous hockey talent in the country and there is need to bring up and polish that and to stream line the hockey affairs, “former captain of national hockey team, legend Samiullah Khan concluded.

Lausanne, Switzerland (PR): International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the expansion of the number of teams participating in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 from the current eight to ten teams from the next edition onwards. In total, this move means that eight additional teams will participate across these events each year.Furthermore, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, introduced last year, will become an annual event from 2027 onwards. This will provide more consistent exposure for teams of this level and simplify the qualification structure by aligning Nations Cup 2 with the Nations Cup and the FIH Hockey Pro League.FIH President Tayyab Ikram expressed his great satisfaction following today’s announcement: “These decisions, taken upon my initiative, are in continuation with our Empowerment and Engagement strategy. They are crucial in fostering equal opportunities for athletes and nations to participate, develop, and grow.I am particularly pleased for all the second- and third-tier teams that previously lacked sufficient opportunities to test themselves in high-level tournaments before the introduction of both events.The Nations Cup will be held in the next couple of days for the fourth time and has already established itself as a major event on hockey’s global calendar for both athletes and fans.The inaugural editions of the Nations Cup 2 last year were a tremendous success, and there has been a strong demand from the participating teams to hold this event annually ever since.”The expansion of teams also means that no team will be relegated from this year’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup starting tomorrow in Cape Town, South Africa (Men’s) and on 15 June in Auckland, New Zealand (Women’s).

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne, Switzerland: As the final stages of the current FIH Hockey Pro League season approach (starting from 13 June), let us hear from the participating teams. Today, Pakistan's Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt shares his thoughts.As the FIH Hockey Pro League resumes in June, what key improvements do you think Pakistan still needs to make to compete effectively at this level?Keeping in mind this was our first participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League, it has already been a positive step for Pakistan hockey. It has helped us understand the level required to compete with the best teams. The core aim is to improve our ball possession in the midfield and be more composed under high press. The accuracy in finishing inside the circle and penalty corner conversion must be above 40%. On the defensive side, we must avoid small mistakes, especially on counter-attacks, because top teams do punish every error. Our major area of concern is Goalkeeping, where we do get easily exposed at key moments and it does cost us. At the same time, we are working on it with full focus and belief. If we tighten these areas, we are confident we will be far more competitive in the next phase, Inshallah.How important is this Pro League phase in June for Pakistan to build momentum ahead of major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games?This phase is extremely important for us, it is our best preparation platform. Every match in the Pro League comes with very high intensity. Playing back-to-back against world-class teams will surely build our momentum before major tournaments, as it will not only help us physically but also make us mentally stronger to handle pressure with more ease. If we manage to compete strongly and pick up positive results in the June phase, that confidence will surely give us a boost and carry forward into the World cup and Asian Games.The Pro League will see Pakistan face top teams, including high-intensity matches against rivals like India—how is the team preparing for these big encounters?We are preparing in a structured and disciplined way. In the Pro League, every match is a tough challenge, so our approach stays the same against every team. For us, India is just another opponent team on the match day. The rivalry does add extra excitement and spice things up, but our focus remains on our own game. We are ready, we are focusing on playing disciplined hockey, staying united as a team, and backing our strengths with confidence in every match.With the Pro League returning in June, how crucial will the support of Pakistan’s passionate hockey fans be in motivating the team?Our fans are like extra invisible players for us on the field. Their passion and support push us to go beyond our limits. Sometimes, when we feel like giving up, a thought comes to us that we might be living someone else’s dream, so we give that extra effort for everyone who believes in us. The feeling when we know the whole nation is watching us, praying for us, and standing behind us gives us extra strength to conquer.. The fans’ support truly means a lot to us. We will be keep giving our best to make them proud.As captain, what message would you like to give to the fans ahead of the Pro League matches in June regarding the team's ambitions and direction?As captain of the Pakistan hockey team, I request every hockey fan to stay with us and keep their trust in us. We know the road has been long and difficult, but this team is here in the FIH Hockey Pro League. I promise you, on behalf of myself and the team, that we will never stop fighting. We will fight for every ball to raise the Pakistan flag on the hockey field again. Continue to support us with the same passion. Better days are coming. Pakistan hockey will rise again. Inshallah.

Lausanne, Switzerland (PR): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced that it has signed an exclusive digital and television broadcast rights agreement with Pakistani broadcaster tapmad for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, taking place from 15 to 30 August 2026.Thanks to this agreement, Pakistani hockey fans will be able to follow their team as they return to the World Cup for the first time in eight years.Commenting on the agreement, FIH Director General Mike Joyce said: “We are very pleased to see Pakistan, a country that has written some of the greatest chapters in hockey’s history, return to the highest level of international hockey, as confirmed by its qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and its participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League. We are delighted to collaborate with tapmad to help hockey fans in Pakistan watch the performances of their favourite team at the FIH’s most prestigious event.”Over the past year, tapmad has broadcasted major FIH events including the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25, the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26, and the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier Ismaïlia 2026.As anticipation builds for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, tapmad is set to deliver an immersive viewing experience, LIVE, in HD quality, and without any ads.Yassir Pasha, CEO tapmad said: “Securing exclusive rights for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 reflects tapmad’s commitment to bringing world-class sports closer to Pakistani audiences. At tapmad, we believe moments like Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup deserve to be experienced by every fan across the country. We are proud to support this historic journey and ensure fans can watch every moment live, in high definition, and without ads on tapmad.”

Islamabad (Sports News):The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce the participating teams and the Pools of the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup, which will take place from 20 to 24 August 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, as follows:Pool A (playing in Belgium)· Belgium· Italy· Germany· France· Pakistan· Zambia· Paraguay· United StatesPool B (playing in the Netherlands)· Netherlands· Spain· Bulgaria· England· India· Malaysia· Chile· ArgentinaThe FIH Para Hockey World Cup 2026 will be a 6-a-side tournament. It will be played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-La-Neuve HC, in Belgium. However, the final day will be held in the same arenas as those hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, namely the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “With today’s announcement of the participating teams—from all around the world—and the pools, our inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup is truly taking shape. I can only reiterate how happy and proud I am that, under my presidency, we have been able to launch this event, which will significantly contribute to the development of Para Hockey worldwide. This is clearly a major milestone in our ongoing efforts and determination to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey.”

Traditional foes, India and Pakistan draw in a same Pool D in Mega Hockey Fixture Lausanne, Switzerland (PR): An exciting official draw ceremony held today at the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands - one of the two venues where the upcoming World Cup will be held, alongside the brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium – has determined the eight Pools of the group stage of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026:Women:Pool A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)Pool B: Argentina, Germany, USA, Scotland (playing in Belgium)Pool C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (playing in Belgium)Pool D: China, England, India, South Africa (playing in the Netherlands)Men:Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (playing in Belgium)Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (playing in the Netherlands)The draw was done by international hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen and Teun de Nooijer, as well as DJ La Fuente, who was announced as Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup during the ceremony.Today’s milestone event was attended by FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, FIH Executive Board Member Erik Cornelissen, Dutch Hockey Federation President Erik Klein Nagelvoort, Belgian Hockey Federation President Patrick Keusters, the captains from the Netherlands (Renée van Laarhoven, Marijn Veenand, Thierry Brinkman and Lars Balk) and Belgium (Charlotte Englebert, Michelle Struijk, Arthur Van Doren and vice-captain Arthur De Sloover), the head coaches from the Netherlands (Raoul Ehren and Jeroen Delmee) and Belgium (Adam Commens and Shane McLeod), representatives from the local authorities, commercial partners and numerous other guests.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Today’s draw marks another major milestone on the road to the most prestigious FIH event, the FIH Hockey World Cup! The upcoming edition, for both women and men, co-hosted by two hockey powerhouses, promises to be a resounding success. We are very grateful to both Belgium and the Netherlands for hosting our top athletes and the global hockey community in less than six months' time.In today’s fractured world, sport—and events such as this in particular—can play a substantial role in bringing people together. It can foster peace at times when our world is torn apart by conflict.I invite all fans around the world to join in, and I already wish all participating athletes an unforgettable experience!”Match scheduleThe FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 will be held in Amsterdam and Wavre from 15 to 30 August 2026.

Lausanne Switzerland (Sports News): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that New Zealand and South Africa will host the fourth edition of the women’s and men’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup (respectively), with the winners being offered the opportunity to join the 2026-27 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.The city of Cape Town, South Africa, will host the men’s event which will involve some of the best teams in the world: South Africa, New Zealand, France, Korea, Japan, Wales, Malaysia, along with Scotland—who were promoted via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, and Ireland — who were relegated from the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.The 2025-26 edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup will run from 11 to 20 June 2026, and will mark the return of the competition to South Africa, which hosted the inaugural edition of the men’s competition in Potchefstroom in 2022.The women’s event will take place in Auckland, New Zealand from 15 to 21 June 2026. The impressive line-up for the competition includes includes hosts New Zealand, USA, Japan, Korea, Chile, Scotland, along with France — who were promoted via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, and India — who were relegated from the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League.The FIH Hockey Nations Cup was launched in 2021 to offer a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and give the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League in the following season.India, Spain and New Zealand have won the first three editions of the women’s competition thus far. On the men’s side, South Africa won the inaugural edition, followed by back-to-back successes for the New Zealand men’s team.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “On behalf of FIH, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Hockey Associations of New Zealand and South Africa. We are delighted to have two outstanding host nations and cities for these remarkable tournaments. I’m excited for the thrilling matches and the fantastic atmosphere that will unfold across two continents, as some of the world’s top men’s and women’s teams showcase their talent for hockey fans around the globe.”

Lausanne Switzerland (Sports News): After a busy start to the calendar year of 2026 with teams playing in the FIH Hockey Pro League across three continents as well as the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Chile, Egypt and India, there have been plenty of movements across the World Rankings Table.In the men’s rankings, Netherlands (3460) and Belgium (3453) remain neck-and-neck as the top two sides. Australia (3258) are in third, up one spot from the start of the year, followed by England (3152) in fourth, up three spots from where they started 2026! Argentina (3126) in fifth have been steady, while Germany (3110) in sixth, are down three places from the start of the year, followed by Spain (2936) and India (2774), who are both down one place each in seventh and eighth respectively. Ireland (2547) in ninth are up two spots, followed by France (2385) down one spot in tenth. New Zealand (2353) in eleventh are down one spot as a result of Ireland’s move up the rankings. Pakistan’s (2316) four wins in the Qualifiers in Ismailia has seen them climb up two places to twelfth, followed by South Africa (2227)—who are down one spot having already qualified for the World Cup via the Africa Cup of Nations. Japan (2150) in fourteenth are one of the biggest climbers of the year, up from eighteenth place, thanks to their stellar run in the Qualifiers in Egypt, which ended in a third place finish and a spot in the World Cup. Malaysia (2140) in fifteenth, Scotland (2082) in seventeenth and Egypt (2005) in eighteenth have all dropped down a couple of places each, while Wales (2108) in sixteenth and Canada (1926) in nineteenth have remained steady. China (1831) in twentieth, Chile (1827) in twenty first, Poland (1825) in twenty second, Korea (1813) in twenty third, Austria (1772) in twenty fourth and United States (1702) in twenty fifth round out the top-25 standings in men’s rankings. In the women’s rankings, the top-5 in the standings remain intact from the start of the year. Leading the way are Netherlands (3927), well clear atop the standings, followed by Argentina (3467) in second place, Belgium (3230) in third, China (3143) in fourth and Spain (2961) in fifth. England (2764) have moved up two spots — up into sixth — following their involvement in the Pro League as well as the World Cup Qualifiers. Germany (2711) remain in seventh despite tough results in the Pro League, while Australia (2513) have swapped places with England, dropping two places, down into eighth. India (2420) in ninth and New Zealand (2391) in tenth hold on to their spots from the end of the previous year, and are closely followed by Chile (2342) who are amongst the biggest rank gainers, moving up to their all-time high ranking of eleventh, having started the year in fifteenth. USA (2337) in twelfth have dropped a spot, followed by Ireland (2306) who remain in thirteenth. Scotland (2206) in fourteenth are up one place after qualifying for their first World Cup in 24 years, followed by Japan (2192) in fifteenth, who have dropped three spots, after finishing fourth in Chile and qualifying for the World Cup, thanks to their superior world ranking. France (1912) in sixteenth and Uruguay (1891) in seventeenth have climbed one and two spots respectively, while Korea (1826) have dropped three places down into eighteenth, with South Africa (1798) in nineteenth and Italy (1795) in twentieth round out the top-20.