Japan down Pakistan in Asian Hockey qualifiers

ISLAMABAD: Japan beat Pakistan 7-5 in the play off as greenshirts finish sixth in Asian hockey qualifiers for the Youth Olympics in Bangkok, Thailand Sunday.While Bangladesh and Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals from the group, Pakistan were left to play for fifth and sixth position.

Pakistan already lost chance of qualifying for the Youth Olympics by failing to reach semis. During last Youth Olympics in Singapore Pakistan not only qualified but went on to win silver behind Australia. This time around even Bangladesh emerged as better outfit to that of Pakistan. Meanwhile India and Malaysia have qualified for Youth Olympics scheduled in Buenos Aires, Argentina from October 6-18.