Second phase of hockey training camp begins from tomorrow

KARACHI: The second phase of Pakistan’s senior hockey team training camp will begin on May 8 at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad, The News has learned.

According to sources in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), players have been instructed to report on Thursday, and training will commence the following day.

The first phase of the camp was held in Wah Cantt. The senior team is currently preparing for the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup, scheduled to be held from June 15–21, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The tournament will feature eight teams: France, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Wales. The winner will qualify for the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Pro League.

Pakistan has been placed in Pool B along with New Zealand, Malaysia, and Japan. Pool A consists of France, South Africa, Korea, and Wales. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals.

Sources said around 35 players have been called up for the camp, including some members of the Pakistan junior hockey team. At least three practice matches will be held during the camp to provide match experience to the players.

It is likely that these matches will be played under the names “Pakistan Green” and “Pakistan White.”

After the second phase, players will be given a short break before the third and final phase begins. The final phase will continue until the team’s departure for Malaysia.

The focus of the camp will be on improving Penalty Corners (PCs) and Penalty Shootouts — two critical areas in modern hockey where Pakistan has struggled in key matches. The team will also work on strengthening the defense, training goalkeepers, and improving goal-scoring — another weak area for Pakistan, as players often fail to convert chances despite penetrating the opponent’s D.