Junior Asia Cup: Pakistan colts face Bangladesh in opener

Top four teams in the tournament will qualify for 2016 World Cup


Nabil Tahir November 13, 2015
PHOTO COURTESY: PHF

KARACHI: Riding on the back of a loss and a draw in their practice matches against China and Japan respectively, Pakistan’s junior hockey team will play their opening match of the 8th Men’s Junior Asia Cup against Bangladesh at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan, Malaysia on Saturday.

Pakistan were defeated 2-1 by China in a match which had to be stopped 10 minutes early due to injuries while their fixture against Japan ended in a 1-1 draw. “

“Our player Azfar Yaqoob sustained an ankle injury during the first match and Mubashir Ali hurt his knee soon after, so the match had to be stopped,” head coach Tahir Zaman told The Express Tribune from Malaysia. “Both the payers are fit now and will be seen in action in the Asia Cup which also serves as the qualifying round for next year’s World Cup.”

Junior hockey: Colts geared up for Asia Cup

The coach added that their match with Japan, who play a very tight game, had helped the colts work on their defence as well as attack.

“Winning the practice matches was not important for us; keeping the players fit for the main round was the priority,” said the coach.

Placed in Pool B alongside South Korea, Bangladesh and Oman, Pakistan will face tough competition from Korea and Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh have 10 players from their senior side which recently took part in the Asian Games and World Hockey League Round 2 last year,” said Zaman.

Sultan of Johor Cup: Junior hockey team to depart for Malaysia

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Ammad Butt said they were going into the opener with a positive frame of mind. “We will try and stick to our routine; keep it simple,” he said. “We believe Bangladesh will be equally prepared and enthusiastic for the match, but we shall put our best foot forward.”

The other competing teams in the tournament are India, Malaysia, Japan and China. The top four team including World Cup hosts India, will qualify for next year’s mega event.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2015.

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