Pakistan out of race for Paris Olympics hockey

KARACHI: Pakistan failed to qualify for Paris Olympics 2024 hockey as they were beaten 2-3 by New Zealand in the qualifiers in Muscat on Sunday.

The Pakistan hockey team has failed to qualify for the Olympics for the third consecutive time.

New Zealand joined Great Britain and Germany in qualifying for Paris 2024, set to take place in July and August of this year, from this qualifying round in Oman.

Pakistan took lead twice through Abu Bakr Mahmood and maintained the lead for three quarters but mistakes in defence in the last quarter allowed New Zealand to surge ahead.

Pakistan scored the first goal through a penalty corner in the 18th minute when Abu Bakar Mahmood successfully dragged the ball in the net.

Pakistan scored second goal in the 24th minute when Abu Bakar scored his and the team’s second goal.

New Zealand scored two field goals and one on a penalty corner. New Zealand scored goals in the 24th, 52nd and 58th minutes of the match.

New Zealand got eight penalty corners and Pakistan two. Pakistan secured the fourth position in the event.