Six Dar Academy players shine in juniors’ series against Germany

LAHORE: Six players from the renowned Dar Hockey Academy featured in the national junior team’s recent four-match test series against Germany.

The series, which saw three matches played in Lahore and one in Islamabad, highlighted the growing influence of the Lahore-based academy in producing top-tier hockey talent. The six players representing Pakistan were Sufyan Khan (Bannu), Rao Aqueel (Khoiwala, District Khanewal), goalkeeper Faizan Janjua (Gujar Khan, District Rawalpindi), Muhammad Ahmad (Khoiwala, Khanewal), M. Aleem (Peer Mahal, District Toba Tek Singh), and Aisam Hyder (Kot Radha Kishan, District Kasur).

Sufyan Khan was recently named the FIH Emerging Player of the Year 2024, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the game. Rao Aqueel has established himself as a regular in Pakistan’s national squad, bringing consistency and strength to the team.

Goalkeeper Faizan Janjua impressed with his outstanding saves, having previously gained attention for his stellar performance at the Junior Asia Cup a few months ago. Muhammad Ahmad, M. Aleem, and Aisam Hyder represented Pakistan for the first time.

Aisam Hyder follows in the footsteps of his elder brother, Abdul Rahman, another Dar Hockey Academy graduate who has played for the national team. “This recent series against Germany not only provided the young players with invaluable experience but also underscored the academy’s crucial role in shaping the future of Pakistan hockey,” stated an academy official. “As the nation strives to regain its past glory in the sport, institutions like Dar Hockey Academy remain at the heart of Pakistan’s hockey revival,” he added.