The Johor Cup, a prestigious under-21 hockey tournament, is set to begin tomorrow in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with the Pakistan junior team opening their campaign against the host nation.
Pakistan’s squad, featuring players under the age of 21, held intensive practice sessions at the Johor Bahru Hockey Stadium under the supervision of head coach Kamran Ashraf. The team focused on refining skills and perfecting various drills ahead of their first match.
The junior team will face England in their second fixture on Sunday, followed by a highly anticipated clash with India on Tuesday after a rest day.
Captain Hanan Shahid emphasized the importance of a strong start, saying the team aimed to build confidence with a win against Malaysia. “After a rigorous training camp in Islamabad, we tried to improve key aspects of our game in the final practice session,” he said. “The first match of any tournament is crucial, and defeating a strong host team like Malaysia will boost our morale for the upcoming fixtures.”
The Johor Cup serves as a significant platform for young talent, offering exposure and competition against some of the best junior hockey teams from around the world.
