ISMAILIA: Pakistan’s national hockey team ended an eight-year drought on Friday, qualifying for the FIH World Cup for the first time since 2018 after defeating Japan 4-3 in a high-octane semi-final in Ismailia, Egypt.
The Green Shirts displayed aggressive intent from the opening whistle, securing a one-goal lead in the first quarter. While the middle periods saw a tactical battle, Pakistan excelled in the decisive fourth quarter, netting three more goals to dismantle the Japanese defence and secure their berth in the 2026 World Cup.
The scoring effort was well-distributed, with Imad Mahmood, Abu Bakr Mahmood, Sufyan Khan, and Afraz each contributing a goal to seal the victory.
With their primary objective of World Cup qualification achieved, Pakistan has now set its sights on the tournament title. They are scheduled to face England in the final of the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers tomorrow.
