Pakistan edge past Japan in Asian hockey event

The Green Shirts meet arch-rivals India on Saturday

Pakistan edged past Japan 2-1 on Wednesday to score their first win of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir City, China.

Nadeem Ahmed opened Pakistan's account with a goal in in the first quarter but it was equalised by Japan in the second quarter.

In the 10th minute of the second quarter, Sufyan Khan scored the second goal for Pakistan to put in the lead once again. The Green shirts fought hard and managed to defend their lead till the end to win the match 2-1 in a thrilling clash.

It must be mentioned here that Pakistan's first two games had ended in draws. Their' clash against South Korea on Monday ended in a 2-2 draw after they failed to defend their two-goal lead.

South Korea took the lead by scoring a goal in the second quarter, which remained intact until the third quarter. Pakistan's team could not score any goals up to the third quarter and was losing by one goal.

However, in the fourth quarter, the Pakistan team made an impressive comeback, with Hanan Shahid scoring two quick goals.

But before the match could end, Korea scored another goal to level the game.

On Sunday, Pakistan's match against Malaysia also ended in a 2-2 draw.

Pakistan will now play China on Thursday and will face arch-rivals India on Saturday.

Aussie hockey star Craig banned after Olympic cocaine bust

Australian hockey player Tom Craig has been banned for 12 months following his arrest during the Paris Olympics last month on suspicion of buying cocaine, Hockey Australia said Wednesday.

Craig will serve at least half of the ban, which began on September 9, with the remaining six months to be suspended if the player met conduct requirements, a Hockey Australia statement said.

The 29-year-old was released without charge, but was given a warning by a judge after French police detained him for allegedly trying to buy cocaine in Paris days after Australia lost their hockey quarter-final at the Games.

"Craig is required to complete mandatory training and education programs as part of his sanction," said the statement.

"Tom has had access to all of the athlete support services under our program and he will continue to do so throughout his suspension. His welfare remains our priority."

Craig will be eligible for the 2025 Australia squad, which will be announced at the end of the year.

Craig admitted he had "made a terrible mistake" following his release from custody and apologised to his family, friends, team-mates and the Australia Olympic team.

"I have embarrassed you all and am truly sorry," he said.

Anna Meares, the Chef de Mission of the Australian team in Paris, said Craig was "a good person who made a bad decision".

Craig made his international debut in 2014 and has played more than 100 times for Australia. He was part of the silver medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

He scored a hat-trick against England at the 2018 World Cup in India to help Australia to the bronze medal. AFP