Hockey
CNS Hockey: NBP, Port Qasim share spoils as Army power past Rangers
LAHORE (SBR): Thrilling hockey action continued at the 4th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) All Pakistan Hockey Tournament 2025, held at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday, with two fiercely contested matches showcasing skill, speed, and strategy. Match 1: Port Qasim and NBP play out exciting 3-3 drawThe opening match of the day saw Port Qasim Authority and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) battle to a 3-3 draw in a nail-biting encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Aleem Usman was the standout for Port Qasim, scoring a brilliant brace, while Amjad added a crucial third to keep them in the fight. For NBP, Faizan continued his fine form with two well-taken goals, and Aamir chipped in with one to level the scores. Despite chances for both sides to snatch victory, tight defending and some heroic saves kept the scoreboard even. For his commanding presence and critical saves between the posts, Mazhar Abbas (NBP) was named man of the match. Match 2: Pakistan Army overpower Rangers 5-2In the second game, Pakistan Army showcased their dominance with a commanding 5-2 victory over Pakistan Rangers, asserting their strength as serious contenders in the tournament. Army’s scoring was spread across five players, Shahzad, Ahmed Sarwar, Usman, Saaifullah, and Wasim Akram, each finding the net once in a well-rounded team performance. Rangers showed flashes of brilliance through Ammar and Hamid Ali, who managed to score one goal each, but were ultimately outpaced by the Army’s relentless attack. The man of the match honor went to Zain Farooq, who anchored Army’s midfield with composure and creativity, playing a pivotal role in controlling the tempo of the game.
CNS Hockey: Mari Energies outclass PAF: Customs and Navy play draw
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The 4th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) All Pakistan Hockey Tournament 2025 produced an action-packed day at the National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday, featuring a dominant performance by Mari Energies and a breathtaking goal-fest between Customs and Pakistan Navy. In the opening match of the day, Mari Energies outclassed PAF 5-2 with a commanding display of attacking hockey. Star forward Ahmed Nadeem led from the front with a brilliant brace, while Waseem Akram, Sufiyan Khan and Ghanzfar Ali added one goal each to seal a comprehensive victory. Although PAF showed glimpses of resistance through goals from Zaheer Hussain and Abdul Manan, they were unable to contain Mari Energies’ relentless offensive pressure. The second match turned into a spectacle as Customs and Navy battled to a sensational 4-4 draw, providing fans with a thrilling end-to-end contest. Customs’ Amad stole the spotlight with two goals, with Samilullah and Shehzab also getting on the scoresheet. Pakistan Navy responded in equal measure, thanks to strikes from Rana Waleed, Hanan Shaid, Zikriya and Bisaharat, ensuring an evenly poised finish. Both sides displayed remarkable fighting spirit, refusing to concede till the final whistle, making it one of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far. Wednesday’s (Matches):NBP vs Port QasimRangers vs Army
Road to FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Women’s Asia Cup Preview
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Starting from 5 September, Gongshu, China will play host to the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 - Asia’s premier hockey women’s tournament running from 5-14 September - with the champions punching their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.The tournament will feature 8 teams, split into Pool A & B. The top two from each pool will advance to a Super 4s pool stage, where the teams will compete in a secondary pool and get ranked from one to four. The semi-finals line-up will be decided on the basis of the secondary pool results, while the bottom two teams from each pool, of the first pool stage, will play for classifications and world ranking points.Pool A: China, Chinese Taipei, Korea, MalaysiaPool B: India, Japan, Thailand, SingaporeThe tournament will begin the competition with Pool B action on 5 September, as Japan will take on Singapore in the first match followed by India taking on Thailand. Pool A matches will follow as all 8 teams will take the field on opening day. Korea vs Chinese Taipei will get Pool A underway before the final match of the day will pit hosts China against Malaysia. The initial pool stage for the women’s competition will be played from 5 to 8 September, followed by the secondary pool stage, positional playoffs and medal matches being played from 10-14 September.The winner of the women’s competition will earn a coveted spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Six teams have now qualified for the women’s competition at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured qualification through the Pan American Cup and Spain qualified from the Eurohockey Championship. Along with Asia, continental championships in Africa and Oceania will determine three direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup and the EuroHockey Championships, the following women’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria and Switzerland, with with four further sides qualifying from the upcoming Asia Cup and one from the Oceania Cup.
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 28 Aug, 2025
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) can confirm that the Pakistan men’s hockey team, nicknamed the Green Shirts, have accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Pakistan were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Malaysia earlier this year. Whilst New Zealand won that event against Pakistan in the final, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join Pro League this time. Therefore, as stipulated in the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up, namely Pakistan, who have confirmed their participation. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – this is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey. Their return marks not only the comeback of a team with such a rich and storied history, but also an exciting boost to the visibility and reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League. I can already anticipate an enhanced visibility of the Pro League with Pakistan’s participation. Congratulations to the Pakistan men’s team for qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and earning their place in the ‘League of the Best’ for the very first time. This achievement is a strong example of how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top.”Pakistan will join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming men’s season of the FIH Hockey Pro League – the seventh edition of the competition. They will replace Ireland who were relegated at the end of the previous season, following their ninth place finish in the league. The FIH welcomes Pakistan to the ‘League of the Best’ and looks forward to their competitive presence enabling further historic matches and continuing the diversity of the League.
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)
USA women secure FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification
Sports Bulletin ReportMontevideo (Uruguay): At the ongoing Pan American Cup 2025, following their thrilling shootout win over Uruguay in the second semi-final, USA women have secured qualification to the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.With Argentina winning the first semi-final against Chile, the final will be played between Argentina and USA. However, Argentina have already qualified for the upcoming World Cup through a second place finish behind already qualified Netherlands at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25. So, USA, through their guaranteed top-2 finish at the Pan American Cup 2025, will take the direct qualification spot available to the Americas for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. USA, placed in Pool B made a perfect start to the tournament, defeating southern neighbours Mexico 10-0 in their opening encounter. This was followed by another impressive win in their toughest pool battle, as they beat Chile 5-2 to seal the top spot in the pool. Trinidad and Tobago’s late withdrawal from the competition meant USA, Chile and Mexico all received a 5-0 walkover against them in Pool B. With the top spot secured, USA were paired up against hosts Uruguay in the semi-final, who finished second in Pool A behind Argentina, with their six points coming from wins against Canada and Paraguay. As Argentina defeated Chile in the first semi-final, USA and Uruguay went into the second semi-final knowing a World Cup spot was at stake and the teams played with the edge befitting the large stakes. A cagey first half saw USA create plenty of penalty corner opportunities but Uruguay's defence held strong and the teams headed into half-time tied at 0-0. USA finally broke the deadlock with their first penalty corner of the second half with Ryleigh Heck putting them ahead. The goal spurred Uruguay on as they mounted waves of attack in search of an equaliser. Despite a missed penalty stroke opportunity in the final quarter, a late goal by Sol Amadeo brought Uruguay level and sent the match into a shootout. Both teams scored on their first two shoot-out attempts, but two stops by USA keeper Kelsey Bing on Uruguay’s next two attempts, along with USA attackers remaining perfect in all four of their attacking forays, gave USA the victory and punched their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.
Pakistan receives formal invitation to join FIH Hockey Pro League
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): After Hockey New Zealand notified the International Hockey Federation (FIH) of their decision not to participate in the next FIH Hockey Pro League Men’s season despite having won the FIH Hockey Nations Cup last month, FIH has, in accordance with the regulations, extended an invitation to the Nations Cup runners-up, namely Pakistan, to join the 2025-26 Pro League edition.The Pakistan Hockey Federation has been given a deadline of 12 August to inform FIH of their decision to accept or deny the invitation. The 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League crowned both Dutch teams, Women’s and Men’s, as champions. The upcoming season will be the seventh one of the “League of the Best”.
Germany vs Ireland to launch Rising Stars festival on December 1
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup Chile 2025 will see two European sides, namely Germany and Ireland, opening the show on 1 December in Santiago.On that same day, hosts Chile will start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands, current Junior Women’s World Champions and ranked world’s number one.The pinnacle of the FIH junior women’s tournaments will feature 24 teams for the very first time. The tournament will be held from 1 to 13 December 2025 in the city of Santiago, Chile.The draw held on 12 June has determined the following Pools:Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Chile, MalaysiaPool B: Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, WalesPool C: Germany, India, Ireland, NamibiaPool D: England, South Africa, China, AustriaPool E: Australia, Spain, Canada, ScotlandPool F: United States, Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay
HOCKEY - FIH Pro League 30 Jun, 2025
Lausanne (Switzerland): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) can confirm that the “Green Army” Ireland’s national hockey team nickname – will join the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2025-26 season. It will be the first time that the finalists of the 2018 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup will join the “League of the Best”.Ireland was promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Chile earlier this year. Whilst New Zealand won that event against Ireland in the final, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join Pro League this time. Therefore, as stipulated in the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up, namely Ireland, who have confirmed their participation.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Congratulations to the Ireland Women team for joining the next season of the FIH Hockey Pro League! It’s wonderful to see a new team participating in the ‘League of the Best’. Qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup confirms how much the latter is a great springboard to join hockey’s elite.”Speaking after the announcement, Irelad Wnomen’s Head Coach Gareth said Grundie: “I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to participate in the FIH Pro League 2025/26 Season 7. It’s a testament to the quality of play this team has achieved to date and is an excellent and invaluable opportunity for further improvement. It comes at an ideal time for us as a programme also, pitting us against the World’s best teams as we go in search of qualification for the 2026 FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.”Finishing the 2024-25 Women’s Pro League season in the last place of the rankings, India is relegated to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup.On the men’s side, following the Black Sticks victory at the recent Nations Cup in Malaysia, FIH has extended an invitation to Hockey New Zealand for their men’s team to join Pro League again next season. Since New Zealand’s hockey governing body is currently undertaking a thorough analysis and decision-making process in this regard, FIH has approved their request for an extension of the deadline to confirm or decline their participation until 21 July.Should New Zealand eventually decide to not participate, the runners-up of the Men’s Nations Cup, namely Pakistan, would have the opportunity to consider joining the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
FIH Junior World Cup 2025: Pakistan and India bracketed in Pool B
Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): Traditional foes, Pakistan and India, are bracketed in the same pool of the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, which will take place in Chennai and Madurai, India, from November 28 to December 10 this year 2025. On the occasion of the draw ceremony held in Lausanne, Switzerland the six Pools of the upcoming expanded FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu, India 2025, which will feature 24 teams from all over the world.Pools detail:Pool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, IrelandPool B: India, Pakistan, Chile, SwitzerlandPool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, ChinaPool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, NamibiaPool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, AustriaPool F: France, Australia, Korea, BangladeshFIH President Tayyab Ikram participated in the draw ceremony along with Mr. Bhola Nath Singh, Hockey India Secretary General and Cdr. RK Srivastava, Hockey India Director General. Ahead of the draw ceremony, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It is a great pleasure for me to be here ahead of a milestone moment as we start the journey towards the first ever 24-team FIH Junior Hockey World Cup! It is a part of the FIH strategy to empower and engage the youth from all nations, including the emerging nations, and this event will be the first step towards doing that. I express my gratitude to the Tamil Nadu leadership Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for welcoming the young stars to the state of Tamil Nadu into the two beautiful cities of Chennai and Madurai. This World Cup also brings with it the opportunity to enhance our hockey infrastructure, and in the city of Madurai, introduce a new state-of-art hockey stadium. I would also like to thank the Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Sports Minister of India Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya for seeing Hockey as a prime sport and supporting it not only in India, but also across Asia and globally.” Hockey India Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh said: “Today marks a landmark moment for the world of hockey as we witness the pool draw for the inaugural FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, featuring 24 nations. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, for his resolute support to hockey and its players across the nation. Under his visionary leadership and that of Hon’ble Sports Minister of India Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya ji, India’s hockey landscape has gained significant momentum. We also express our sincere thanks to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. K. Stalin ji, for his committed vision in promoting hockey both in Tamil Nadu and beyond. His dynamic leadership is further bolstered by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Udhayanidhi Stalin ji, whose initiatives in youth sports and development continue to empower the next generation. This effort would not have been possible without the mentorship and support of our elder brother, Dato Tayyab Ikram ji, whose promotion of international hockey has been invaluable. In advance of the draw, I congratulate all 24 participating teams and warmly welcome each delegation to India. We hope this event offers a memorable and enriching experience for all.”
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