Pakistan’s men’s hockey team secured a commanding 5-1 victory over China in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, advancing to the semi-finals in style. The game, held at the Moqi Hockey Training Base on Thursday, showcased Pakistan’s dominance and sets the stage for a potential showdown with arch-rival India in the tournament final.
Nadeem Ahmed and Hannan Shahid led Pakistan’s charge with two goals each, while Abdul Rehman added another to round off the resounding win. This victory follows Pakistan’s earlier success against Japan (2-1) and highlights their growing momentum as they inch closer to the finals.
The match saw Pakistan take control early on, with Abdul Rehman opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. Nadeem Ahmed doubled the lead in the 36th minute, adding another in the 56th. Hannan Shahid sealed the victory with goals in the 46th and 60th minutes, securing his title as the hero of the match. China’s sole response came in the 48th minute, with Gao Jiesheng scoring a consolation goal.
Hannan Shahid, named hero of the match, praised the collective effort of his teammates, attributing their success to hard work and improved discipline. Pakistan’s new focus on discipline was evident, with the team committing only one foul throughout the game.
“Previously we were conceding too many cards, but now we’ve learned from our mistakes and controlled them,” said Hannan. This newfound discipline has helped Pakistan avoid costly penalties, allowing them to maintain pressure on their opponents and secure important wins.
Potential Showdown with India Looms
With their spot in the semi-finals guaranteed, Pakistan’s next challenge is their final group stage match against defending champions India on Saturday. Both teams have already secured their places in the semi-finals, and the upcoming match could serve as a dress rehearsal for a high-stakes final between the two fierce rivals.
Pakistan’s captain, Ammad Shakeel Butt, and his squad will be looking to fine-tune their game ahead of the clash with India. Hannan Shahid expressed his respect for the Indian team, saying, “I share a positive relationship with Indian players and I consider them as my brothers.” However, he emphasized that Pakistan will be playing to win and will focus on their strengths to secure a victory.
India’s Strong Performance
India remains unbeaten in the tournament, recently defeating South Korea 3-1 with a brace from captain Harmanpreet Singh and a goal from Araijeet Singh Hundal. As defending champions, India is viewed as the team to beat, making the upcoming group match even more crucial for Pakistan’s confidence going into the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s Road to Redemption
Pakistan’s strong performance in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy marks a significant improvement over their previous tournament results. Their consistent display of skill, strategy, and discipline has made them a formidable contender in the competition. With their semi-final spot secured, Pakistan is guaranteed to finish no lower than third place—a major step up from their past struggles.
As Pakistan gears up for a potentially explosive encounter with India, the team’s recent successes signal a bright future for the national side. Whether they face India in the final or another opponent, Pakistan’s hockey squad has proven that they are back on track and ready to challenge for the title in this year’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.
With disciplined play, teamwork, and standout performances from key players like Hannan Shahid and Nadeem Ahmed, Pakistan is well-positioned for a deep run in the tournament. The final group stage match against India will be crucial in determining the team’s momentum as they aim for the championship.