Pakistan Juniors Thrash China 8-3 in Sultan of Johor Cup Opener as Haider Asim Scores Twice Late On
JOHOR BAHRU: Pakistan’s junior hockey team began the Sultan of Johor Cup the way their supporters have long wanted to see — on the front foot and scoring freely. At the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, the young Green Shirts beat China 8-3 in their opening match, and the spread of scorers told its own story about a side playing as a unit.
Eight goals, seven scorers
Saifullah opened the scoring for Pakistan and Farooq Muhammad doubled the lead. Rana Waleed and Hamza Fayyaz kept the pressure on a stretched Chinese defence, and after Mustafa Ghulam and Usman Muhammad added their names to the sheet, Haider Asim finished the job with two goals in the closing minutes. China replied through Liang Haolin, who scored twice, and captain Wang Yubo, but their goals never really threatened to change the direction of the match.
Federation chief hails the spirit
Pakistan Hockey Federation president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the players, team officials and coaching staff, praising the fighting spirit and unity on display and calling the performance an encouraging sign for the future of Pakistan hockey. He said he hoped the junior side would carry the same momentum into their remaining matches in the tournament and keep making the country proud.
