Pakistan knocked out of Asian Junior Hockey

Koreans register victory to dethrone defending champions.

LAHORE:

Pakistan junior hockey team’s hopes of winning the Asian Junior Hockey tournament were dashed when South Korea sneaked past the defending champions, beating them 2-1 in the semi-final.

Only a remarkable comeback from the Koreans, who were one goal down, blocked Pakistan’s progress. The defending champions had got an early lead when Waseem Abbas found the net. Thereafter, the Korean defence did not allow the Pakistanis any leeway. The Koreans penetrated into the Pakistani half and ultimately landed in two goals.

Before their semi-final defeat, the national side remained unbeaten, scoring 53 goals in four matches, without conceding a goal. Pakistan  now face Singapore for a third-place playoff match today.



Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2011.