Pakistan thrash Thailand 9-0 in Asian Games hockey opener

KAKAMIGAHARA, Japan: Pakistan made a winning start to their Asian Games hockey campaign on Sunday, thrashing Thailand 9-0 in their opening Pool B match at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.

Pakistan dominated from the outset and scored in each of the four quarters, keeping Thailand under sustained pressure throughout the match.

Moeen Shakeel opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Ammad Butt doubled Pakistan’s lead four minutes later.

Ahmed Nadeem then completed a hat-trick, scoring field goals in the 20th, 37th and 43rd minutes to put Pakistan firmly in control.

The remaining goals came as Pakistan continued to dominate the contest, completing a 9-0 victory without conceding.

The win gives Pakistan three points in Pool B, which also features Malaysia, China, Oman, Uzbekistan and Thailand.

Pakistan will play their next match against Uzbekistan on September 22, followed by games against China on September 24, Malaysia on September 26 and Oman on September 28.

The men’s hockey competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games runs from September 18 to October 3, with 12 teams divided into two pools. The hockey tournament also serves as the continental qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the Asian Games champion earning the Olympic berth.