Pakistan junior hockey team aiming to peak in Asia Cup semis

Pakistan’s junior hockey team head coach and former Olympian Qamar Ibrahim on Friday hoped that his charges will be in top rhythm by the semi-finals stage of the Junior Asia Cup being held in Muscat, Oman.

“Boys are giving their best and we are hopeful that by the time of the semi-finals team will be in good rhythm,” Qamar told Nukta from Muscat.

Following a solid 7-2 win over China in their Group B opener on Wednesday, Pakistan on Thursday added to their wins when they conquered little known Bangladesh 6-0. Sufyan Khan once again played a leading role in his team’s win with a fine treble. He struck all his three goals on penalty corners in the 23rd, 32nd and 43rd minute to give Pakistan a huge edge over Bangladesh who failed to penetrate in Pakistan’s area.

Mohammad Ammad, Waleed Rana and Zakariya Hayat were the others who ably backed Sufyan, who has recently earned the FIH Rising Star of the Year award.

“Every team came here with a proper preparation; although Pakistan team did not get enough time for team training but the way management and boys are putting their 100 percent to get the best results is very good,” Qamar said.

Talking about the teams’ strength in the event, Qamar said that there are a few tough sides which will need to be handled properly.

“We believe that India, Japan and Malaysia are tough opponents and these teams can only be handled if the boys play as per a given plan with 110 percent efforts,” Qamar said.

He said that Junior Asia Cup is the best event for the continental teams to prepare themselves to compete with the European outfits.

“I think it’s a good exercise to get ready for competing strong nations across the world,” Qamar said.

Pakistan is resting today and on Saturday they will take on hosts Oman. It will be followed by their last pool game against Malaysia on December 1.

Malaysia and Pakistan have occupied the top two spots in their group with six points each after two wins each.

Bangladesh have three points to their credit from two matches while China and Oman are yet to open their accounts after losing both their initial matches.

Holders India top Group A with six points with a decent plus 12 goal difference. Former champions South Korea are at the second place, also with six points, but with an inferior plus 7 goal difference as compared to India. Japan stand third with three points while Chinese Taipei and Thailand are yet to open their accounts.

Top two teams from each pool will progress to the semi-finals which will be held on December 3.

The third-place playoff and the final will be conducted on December 4.