Pakistan were beaten 6-2 by South Korea in Islamabad, but secured a 3-1 series victory after winning the opening three matches.
Pakistan suffered a disappointing defeat on home soil as South Korea recorded a convincing 6-2 victory in the fourth and final hockey match at the Naseer Banda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.
Despite the heavy loss, Pakistan finished the four-match series with a 3-1 advantage after winning the first three encounters.
The final result provided a setback for Pakistan in front of the home crowd, although the national side had already done enough to secure the overall series.
South Korea produced a much stronger performance in the final game and controlled the contest to end the series on a winning note.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) fielded its Under-21 team for the final match, giving young players an opportunity to gain valuable international experience against the visiting South Korean side.
South Korea’s attacking display proved too difficult for Pakistan to contain. Yang Ji-hun, OC Yang, Lim Do-yeon, Kim Hye-kang and Kim Young-bok found the net for the visitors as they built a commanding six-goal tally.
Pakistan managed to score twice during the match, with M Ahmed and Ghulam Mustafa getting their names on the scoresheet. However, the hosts were unable to produce the attacking consistency needed to challenge South Korea in the final encounter.
Despite conceding a six-goal defeat, Pakistan can take confidence from winning the series 3-1. The first three victories had already established Pakistan’s dominance in the four-match contest before South Korea responded strongly in Islamabad.
The series also provided an important opportunity for Pakistan’s emerging players to compete at international level. The inclusion of the U-21 squad in the final match could help the country’s young hockey talent gain experience and prepare for future assignments.
Following the match, Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Wani distributed prizes among the participating players. The ceremony marked the conclusion of the four-match series, with Pakistan retaining the overall advantage despite ending the campaign with a heavy defeat at home.
The 6-2 loss will nevertheless serve as an area of concern for Pakistan as the national hockey setup continues its efforts to strengthen the team and develop the next generation of players.