Netherlands’ junior hockey team to visit Pakistan in mid-January

KARACHI: Netherlands’ junior hockey team will visit Pakistan in the middle of January next year to play a series of matches against Pakistan juniors, The News has learnt on Sunday.

The Netherlands’ federation has confirmed the visit to PHF, sources said. They further said that the number of matches was yet to be decided. A series of three to five matches is likely to be played, a source said.

The matches will be played in Lahore’s National hockey stadium. The PHF is focusing on the junior team as Pakistan will participate in some important international events, including Junior Asia Cup 2020 and Junior Hockey World Cup 2021.

PHF will tap fresh talent for training camp of national junior team during the 36th national junior championship for upcoming international assignments, including the series against Netherlands in January, PHF sources said.

The sources also confirmed that PHF has directed the members of national selection committee to be present during the national championship in Lahore and find skillful players.

The national championship will be organised in Lahore from November 28 to December 8. The PHF is likely to announce the officials of junior team during the national championship as well as the probable players for the training camp, the sources said.