ISLAMABAD: The stage is set for emerging talent as the Youth Under-18 National Hockey Championship 2026 gets underway from Thursday (today) at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Islamabad, with officials vowing to ensure a disciplined and high-quality tournament.
In preparation for the marquee event, Tournament Director Olympian Khawaja Muhammad Junaid chaired a meeting with tournament officials, umpires, managers, and coaches to finalize arrangements and reinforce adherence to rules and regulations. Assistant Tournament Director Shafiq Bhatti and Umpire Manager Sohail Akram Janjua were also in attendance.
Before the formal proceedings, a solemn moment was observed as prayers were offered for the departed souls of Khawaja Muhammad Junaid’s father-in-law and umpire Asad Abbas’s father, reflecting the hockey community’s unity and respect.
Addressing the participants, Junaid stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism, and collective responsibility in ensuring the smooth conduct of the championship. He urged all stakeholders to uphold the spirit of fair play and maintain the highest standards throughout the competition.
The 11-day tournament, organized by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, will feature 16 teams from across the country, divided into four pools: Pool A: Pak Customs, KPK 2, Punjab 4, Gilgit-Baltistan
Pool B: Punjab 1, Sindh 2, Balochistan, KPK 1
Pool C: Police, Punjab 2, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad
Pool D: Pak Education Board, Sindh 1, Punjab 3, Pak Army The opening day promises high-octane action with four matches on the cards. KPK 2 will take on Gilgit-Baltistan, while Sindh 2 face Balochistan, KPK 1 meet Punjab 1, and Pak Customs clash with Punjab 4.
The group stage will run uninterrupted until April 14, followed by a rest day on April 15. The knockout phase begins on April 16 with quarterfinals, where top teams from each pool will battle for supremacy. The semifinals are scheduled for April 17.
The tournament will culminate on April 19 with the third-place playoff and with the grand final where the new champions will be crowned.
Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani extended his best wishes to all teams and officials, expressing confidence that the championship will serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent.
