Pakistan’s campaign at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 took a disappointing turn when the junior hockey team lost a close match to New Zealand. This made it hard for them to make it to the semifinals of the tournament in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Pakistan is under a lot of pressure after losing, since they only have one point from four group stage matches so far.
A Hard Game Against a Tough Opponent
In a very close match, New Zealand beat Pakistan 3–2.
The Kiwis scored first in the 8th minute with a well-taken penalty corner. Forward Abdul Hanan Shahid scored for Pakistan shortly after, taking advantage of a counterattack.
But in the third quarter, New Zealand’s defense let them score two quick goals, making the score 3–1. Even though Arbaz Ahmed scored a great field goal late in the game, Pakistan couldn’t find the equalizer before the final whistle.
“We made chances but didn’t have the composure to finish.” “Small mistakes cost us the game,” said Head Coach Danish Kaleem after the game.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was worried about how the team was doing, but they stressed that the tournament is a chance for young players to get better for the 2026 Asian Junior Cup.
“These boys are the future of hockey in Pakistan.” In a statement after the game, PHF Secretary Haider Hussain said, “We need patience and consistent training support.”
The Sultan of Johor Cup – Junior Hockey
The Sultan of Johor Cup is one of the most important international junior hockey tournaments for players under 21. Teams from India, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Pakistan compete.
Pakistan has done well in the past, winning the title twice (in 2012 and 2013) and coming in second place several times. This year, though, the competition is tougher because more Olympic-level youth programs are taking part.
Official federation tracking international hockey matches and results. International Hockey Federation (FIH)
Even though the pakistan junior hockey has lost, Pakistan still has a chance to do well. Their last game will be against Malaysia, the host country. If they win, they could move up to fifth place overall.
Coaches are working on two things that have been problems for the team throughout the tournament: better defensive coordination and converting short corners.
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