Goal-getter Pakistan: Hard-hitting a 7-0 victory over Oman

MUSCAT: Pakistan secured a place in the finals of the 2024 Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup following a sweeping 7-0 victory over the battered hosts in the semi-finals held in Muscat.

From the beginning, the Green Shirts were determined to cruise to the finals. Captain Hanan Shahid scored within the first minute of the match!

Oman truly stood no chance!

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By the end of the opening quarter, the team had extended their lead to 2-0.

Continuing their offensive pressure, Pakistan added three more goals by the first quarter. This brought the score to 5-0.

They thundered to victory with additional goals, finishing 7-0.

Rana Waleed struck two goals while Nadim Khan, Qayyum Dogar, Hanan Shahid, Basharat and Sufyan Khan each netted a goal for their side.

The spectacular performance by the Green Shirts not only ensured Pakistan’s spot in the finals but also showcased their strong form throughout the tournament.

They are scheduled to now face Malaysia in their last group match, as the South East Asian team aims to claim the championship title.

The Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup is organised by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). It is an international tournament for under-21 field hockey teams.

The tournament was established in 1988, with the Green Shirts winning the first ever championship.

It also serves as a qualifying competition for the Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.

While arch-rivals, India, hold the record for most championship wins – four title wins – Pakistan comes up at second with three. If they win this year’s tournament, they can tie in first place along with our neighbour.

Malaysia has claimed the title once, along with South Korea. The Green Shirts need to exhibit a strong performance against the Malay side.

Besides Pakistan, Thailand achieved their first victory of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 win over Chinese Taipei in Pool A.  Meanwhile in Pool B, China rebounded with a solid 7-2 victory.

The 2024 Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup featured a total of ten teams. It started on November 26 and will end on December 4 with the finals.

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The venue for this year’s tournament was primarily the Hockey Oman Stadium in Muscat, Oman. So far, 16 matches have been played, with over 124 goals scored, an impressive feat.

The top scorers for 2024 Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup were Sufyan Khan from Pakistan and Wang Yubo from China.