The Pakistan junior hockey team recently wrapped up its campaign at the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, finishing fourth after an eventful run that showcased glimpses of promise and encouragement.
Though the results were mixed, Pakistan’s performance offered encouraging signs for the future - a blend of raw talent, fighting spirit, and areas that demand immediate attention.
A dream beginning against Malaysia
Pakistan began the tournament in emphatic fashion, thrashing hosts Malaysia 7-2 in their opening match. The win set the tone for what initially appeared to be a promising campaign. Penalty corner specialist Muhammad Sufyan Khan was the hero of the day, scoring a scintillating hat-trick to earn the Man of the Match award.
Captain Abdul Hannan Shahid and forwards Nadeem Khan and Hamza Fayyaz also chipped in with clinical finishes, displaying Pakistan’s attacking flair and penalty-corner efficiency - a department that has historically been Pakistan’s strength. The victory not only boosted morale but also indicated that the junior side had the technical skills and coordination to compete with top-ranked teams.
Reality check against Great Britain
The euphoria, however, was short-lived. In their second encounter, Great Britain outclassed Pakistan 5-1, exposing defensive gaps and poor finishing. While Pakistan created several scoring chances, their inability to convert them cost them dearly.
Great Britain’s Jonny and Henry scored two goals each, while Caddy added another. Once again, Sufyan Khan was Pakistan’s lone scorer - his penalty corner conversion being the team’s only breakthrough. This match underlined Pakistan’s recurring issue: consistency under pressure.
High-intensity draw against India
In what was arguably the most anticipated match of the tournament, Pakistan faced archrivals India on October 14 in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The encounter was a true reflection of subcontinental hockey - fast-paced, emotional, and fiercely contested.
Captain of the team Hannan Shahid opened the scoring via a penalty stroke, while Sufyan Khan once again proved his mettle by netting two crucial goals from penalty corners. India responded through Arjit, Anand, and Manmeet Singh, but Pakistan’s defensive unit held firm in the closing stages to salvage a draw.
This performance reflected Pakistan’s mental toughness and adaptability. Despite India earning nine penalty corners to Pakistan’s six, the Green Shirts’ penalty-corner defense stood resolute - a marked improvement from their match against Great Britain.
Heartbreak against New Zealand as missed chances prove costly
In their fourth outing, Pakistan faced New Zealand, who edged them out 3-2 in another closely fought contest. Sufyan Khan, the tournament’s standout player for Pakistan, once again struck twice through penalty corners, maintaining his remarkable consistency.
However, defensive lapses and midfield miscommunication allowed New Zealand’s Rocco, Jakarta, and Jordan to score one goal each, sealing Pakistan’s second defeat. The loss raised questions about Pakistan’s ability to maintain composure in crunch moments - an area that continues to haunt even the senior team.
Fighting spirit against Australia with a draw full of character
Pakistan ended the group stage on a spirited note, drawing 3-3 with Australia, one of the world’s top junior sides. Captain Hannan Shahid scored twice, and Saifullah added a third as Pakistan battled hard to share points with a formidable opponent.
Australia’s Toby, Oscar, and Lane scored one goal each, but Pakistan’s resilience in coming from behind was commendable. The team showed a marked improvement in coordination and tactical balance, suggesting that lessons from earlier defeats were beginning to take effect.
Pakistan finish fourth
With one win, two draws, and two losses in the group stage, Pakistan accumulated five points and finished fourth on the table - ahead of Malaysia and New Zealand.
In the 3rd/4th place playoff, Pakistan narrowly lost 3-2 to Great Britain. Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan both scored again, but defensive errors in the final quarter allowed Britain’s Caden, Michael, and Henry to seal the bronze medal.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan’s overall performance drew praise from officials and fans alike. PHF President Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti and Secretary Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali lauded the team’s fighting spirit and discipline, terming the campaign “a step forward for the junior setup.”
Individual brilliance and recognition
Pakistan’s campaign was highlighted by two major individual achievements: Captain Hannan Shahid was declared the Best Player of the Tournament, a recognition of his leadership, fitness, and consistent scoring.
Muhammad Sufyan Khan, the young drag-flicker, won the Top Scorer Award, reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing tradition of producing exceptional penalty-corner specialists.
Their performances are bright indicators for the senior team’s future, especially as Pakistan builds toward the next Junior World Cup and other major international events.
Strengths,
weaknesses, and the road ahead
Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its attacking prowess. With 16 goals in six matches - including fixtures against higher-ranked teams like India and Australia - the forward line displayed creativity and aggression. The penalty-corner conversion rate, courtesy of Sufyan Khan, remained among the best in the tournament.
However, defensive fragility and inconsistent game management continue to hinder Pakistan’s progress. The team conceded 16 goals - the same number they scored - indicating an urgent need for tactical discipline, especially in transitions.
Another challenge is mental resilience. Pakistan often struggled to close out matches after taking the lead, as seen against New Zealand and Great Britain. Improving decision-making under pressure and strengthening defensive structure in the final quarters will be vital.
On the positive side, Pakistan’s draw against India (world junior rank No 2) and Australia (rank N8) underlined the team’s potential to challenge top-tier sides.
If the Pakistan Hockey Federation continues to invest in coaching, physical conditioning, and exposure tours, this young squad could very well evolve into a world-class unit - reigniting Pakistan’s legacy in global hockey.