Junior Hockey World Cup: Pakistan to start campaign in New Delhi on Friday

Greenshirts face Egypt in opening Pool A match

KARACHI: Spurred by back-to-back wins in practice games, Pakistan are eyeing a flying start at the Junior Hockey World Cup which will push off today in New Delhi with 16 teams battling for the title.

Pakistan’s rising stars are scheduled to meet Egypt on Friday evening in their opening Pool A fixture.

The team reached New Delhi on December 3 where they held extensive training sessions besides playing two practice games, beating South Africa 2-1 and Malaysia 2-0.

Coach Anjum Saeed said his team was ready to face Egypt.

“We are targeting a winning start,” Saeed told The Express Tribune from New Delhi. “The players have adjusted well here and are up for the the challenge.”

However, the coach added Egypt will not be an easy side and his team will have to play good hockey   against them.

‘Adequate security in New Delhi’

The coach added that his team has been provided a comfortable environment and accommodation in New Delhi.

“The security provided to all teams in the ground and the hotel is fine and we are comfortable here.”

Meanwhile in other matches on the opening day, Korea will play Canada (Pool C), Australia will face Argentina (Pool B), defending champions Germany will take on Belgium (Pool A), New Zealand will compete against Malaysia (Pool D), Spain will square up against France (Pool B) while England will take on South Africa (Pool D).