Pakistan secures top spot in Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifiers

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan hockey team secured the top spot in the Asia Hockey5s World Cup Qualifiers, following a draw against Malaysia in their final pool match with a score of 5-5.

Remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, the Green team lead the points table with 13 points, closely pursued by India with 12 points.

During their strong encounter against Malaysia, Rana Abdul Waheed scored three goals, while Mohammad Murtaza and Abdul Rehman each contributed one goal for the Pakistani team.

Meanwhile, in response, Din Muhammad scored twice a brace, whereas, Mat Syarman, Anuwar Akhimullah, and Ishak Arif added one goal each for Malaysia.

Malaysia secured the third position on the points table, with Bangladesh, Oman, and Japan claiming the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots respectively.

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However, a day prior, the Pakistan hockey team defeated their rivals India and Bangladesh, winning 5-4 and 15-6 respectively.

Led by head coach Olympian Wasim Feroze and managed by Major Muhammad Shahnawaz Khan, the Pakistani team is part of the Elite pool with India, Malaysia, Japan, Oman, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Challenger pool includes Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Iran.

Nontheless, once the pool matches are completed, there shall be initial crossover matches involving the bottom two elite pool teams and the top two challenger pool teams; the winners of these matches will proceed to the second phase of crossovers, competing against the third and fourth place teams from the elite pool.

The top two finishers of the elite pool will challenge the winners of the second crossovers in the semi-finals, while the semi-finalists who do not advance will vie in the bronze medal match, determining the final qualifier alongside the two finalists for the debut FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman 2024.