Pakistan national hockey team has touched down in Malaysia, ready to compete in the highly anticipated Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament, which begins on May 4, 2024.
The team, led by Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt and his deputy, defender Abu Bakar, is set to kick off their campaign against the host nation Malaysia.
Fresh from a rigorous two-week training camp held at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, the team is in high spirits and looking forward to testing their mettle against some of the world’s leading hockey nations. Following their opener, Pakistan will face a challenging lineup with matches against South Korea on May 5, Japan on May 7, Canada on May 8, and New Zealand on May 10. The finals of the tournament will take place on May 11.
The squad for this year’s tournament features a blend of experience and youth, crucial for Pakistan’s hopes of clinching the title. The team includes two goalkeepers, Abdullah and Muneeb-ur-Rehman, and six defenders: Usama Bashir, Athisham, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufiyan, Abu Bakar, and captain Shakeel Butt. The midfield is fortified with the talents of Salman Razzaq, Arshad Liaqat, Moin Shakeel, Zakriya Hayat, Murtaza Yaqoob, and Ghazanfar Ali. Completing the lineup are forwards Abdul Rehman, Hanan, Rana Waheed, and Ejaz Ahmed.
In addition to the main squad, the team management has selected seven players as standbys, ensuring depth and readiness for any contingencies. These include Akmal Hussain, Aqeel Ahmed, Arbaz, Hammad Anjum, Abdul Rehman Jr., Abdul Manan, and Rooman.
The Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament is not just a competition; it is a celebration of hockey excellence, attracting teams from across the globe. For Pakistan, a country with a rich hockey heritage, participation in this tournament is both an honor and an opportunity to showcase the national talent on an international stage. The tournament offers a perfect platform for the team to prove their prowess and potentially secure a significant victory that could resonate well beyond the bounds of the sport.
As the tournament unfolds, the eyes of countless hockey enthusiasts back home will be on the national team, eagerly anticipating a performance that matches their legacy. Pakistan’s journey in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament is more than just about winning; it’s about reigniting the nation’s passion for a sport in which it has a storied history.