Sports Bulletin

Green Shirts face humiliating defeat by 1-5 in last game of tourIslamabad (Sports News): The Irish leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League came to a close with tightly contested battles. England and Belgium renewed their rivalry in the men’s competition, while England’s women edged hosts Ireland in a hard-fought encounter played in front of a passionate home crowd.In Argentina, Los Leones delivered a dominant display against Pakistan to underline their growing confidence this season, while the women’s meeting between Argentina and the Netherlands was ultimately decided by the weather, with safety concerns forcing the cancellation of the final match of the series. (Men’s) England 2 – 3 BelgiumA 3–2 win for Belgium over England avenged their earlier penalty shootout loss to the same opponents, in a match where Victor Wegnez celebrated his 200th cap.Belgium enjoyed significant possession and territorial advantage in the opening quarter with Thomas Crols pulling a half chance shot wide and Thibeau Stockbroekx seeing his deflection gloved away brilliantly by Oliver Payne. However, England took the lead from a rare attack in the 10th minute when Nicholas Parks reacted quickest to a blocked shot and slammed the loose ball home. They had another good chance on the hooter but pushed the shot wide. The Belgians kept applying pressure through the second quarter and it finally paid off with drag flicks from Alexander Hendrickx and Tom Boon edging them 2-1 ahead by half time.Will Calnan levelled the score for England with a 34th-minute tap-in, the ball floating to him in open space near the left post after Loic van Doren had saved the first shot. Six minutes later, Boon received a long pass through the centre of the pitch and Payne did very well to come off his line and stop the first shot. But the ball dropped straight back to Boon, who looped it neatly over Payne’s head to restore Belgium’s lead. They then controlled the final quarter with most of the play happening in the middle third of the pitch, and the English had to pull off their goalkeeper to chase a result. They gave themselves a chance from a penalty corner with just seven seconds left on the clock, but the shot went wide to wrap up the Irish leg of the men’s competitionThe player of the match was awarded to Belgium’s Tom Boon, who said: “We really came out here to win. England gave us a pretty hard time. The battle was from a high level, especially physically, but at the end we managed to win. I think it was important for us to end this year on a really good note.”(Men’s) Argentina 5 – 1 PakistanArgentina delivered a commanding 5–1 win over Pakistan, combining penalty-corner efficiency with sharp aerial play to take control early and never look back.Nicolas della Torre opened the scoring with a powerful penalty corner drag flick that deflected in off Pakistan defender Mohammad Abdullah. Los Leones looked in fine form from the outset, controlling the game through midfield and repeatedly stretching Pakistan’s defensive line with long aerials. One such aerial was brought down by Joaquín Toscani, who beat his defender before sending a bouncing ball through the circle for Bautista Capurro to deflect past goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman, giving Argentina a 2–0 lead after the opening quarter.Maico Casella played a key role in Argentina’s third goal. After delivering the initial ball into the circle to create pressure, Pakistan turned possession over while trying to clear. Casella was the next recipient, found space and delivered a superb pass across goal, allowing Capurro to tap in his second of the match.Pakistan started the third quarter with renewed intent, sparked by a fine individual effort from Waheed Ashraf Rana. Rana drove through the Argentine circle and, found room in his back space before smashing a shot high in to the mesh to reduce the deficit. Argentina responded with their fourth when Tadeo Marcucci sent a precision pass to spring Tomas Domene. Domene’s backhand effort forced a rebound, which Tobias Martins reacted to quickly and finished neatly. Domene then capped a strong performance by earning and converting a penalty corner with a low drag flick to make it 5–1. A scoreless final quarter followed as Argentina comfortably saw out the match and celebrated a convincing three points.After the match, Argentina’s Tomas Domene was named Player of the Match for the second night in a row. He said: “It was a really important win because if we know if we can play easy and connect as a team we will get some chances. Today we showed that and so we are happy with the result tonight and this week. We are happy with where the team is at as we build towards the World Cup.”

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has asked 31 national players to join training camp for the preparation of the upcoming ​FIH Pro Hockey League at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium that will kick off on November 24.After the approval of the President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti, the Secretary General Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali Khan has announced, through a notification, the training camp for the national senior probables in preparation for the FIH Pro Hockey League. The camp will commence on November 24, 2025, at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.​The Pro Hockey League will be played in Rosario, Argentina, from December 9 to 14, 2025.​According to the notification, all selected officials and players have been instructed to report to the Camp Commandant at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on November 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM (1700 hours).​A total of 31 top players and 7 officials from across the country have been summoned for the camp. Names of players and officials:​Goalkeepers:​Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (Mari Energies)​Muneeb-ur-Rehman (WAPDA)​Waqar (WAPDA)​Ali Raza (PAF)​Defenders:​Mohammad Sufyan Khan (Customs)​Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Energies)​Hammadudin Anjum (WAPDA)​Abdul Manan (PAF)​Ammad Shakeel Butt (NBP)​Usama Bashir (PAF)​Arbaz Ahmad (Mari Energies)​Abu Bakar Mahmood (NBP)​Midfielders:​Moin Shakeel (WAPDA)​Zikriya Hayat (Navy)​Ghazanfar Ali (Mari Energies)​Arshad Liaqat (Mari Energies)​Junaid Manzoor (NBP)​Mohammad Sulman Razzaq (WAPDA)​Izhar-ul-Haq (Punjab)​Strikers:​Abdul Hannan Shahid (WAPDA)​Abdul Rehman (PAF)​Afraz (Mari Energies)​Rana Waheed (WAPDA)​Rana Mohammad Waleed (Navy)​Ahmad Nadeem (Mari Energies)​Mohammad Ammad (Customs)​Abdul Qayyum (Customs)​Basharat Ali (Navy)​Umair Sattar (Mari Energies)​Team Officials:​Anjum Saeed (Manager), Olympian Tahir Zaman (Head Coach), Olympian Mohammad Usman, Olympian Zeeshan Ashraf (Assistant Coaches), Mukhtar Ahmad (Trainee Coach), Nadeem Khan Lodhi (Video Analyst), and Mohammad Aslam (Masseur)

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. 

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.

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.

Lausanne(PR): The wait is nearly over. In just under one month, the world’s most promising rising stars in women’s hockey will gather in Chile for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, with the competition running from 1 to 13 December 2025 in the vibrant host city of Santiago.This edition marks a significant moment for global hockey. The competition comprises 24 for the very first time, with teams from across every continent, expanding the footprint of the women’s game and opening the door for emerging talent to shine on the sport’s biggest youth stage. From traditional powerhouses like Netherlands, Argentina and Korea to rising teams like Namibia, Malaysia and Uruguay, the tournament promises more matches, more stories, and more opportunities.Hosted in the city of Santiago, Chile, with immense experience in hosting the top level hockey tournaments, the women’s junior world cup 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 Chilean hockey, this event will showcase the future of the game in its purest, most energetic form.Pool A: Chile, Japan, Malaysia, NetherlandsPool B: Argentina, Belgium, Wales, ZimbabwePool C: Germany, India, Ireland, NamibiaPool D: Austria, China, England, South AfricaPool E: Australia, Canada, Scotland, SpainPool F: Korea, New Zealand, United States, Uruguay.The initial pool-stage matches will be played from 1-6 December, followed by secondary stages and the knock-out rounds from 7-13 December. 

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..

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.

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.

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