ISLAMABAD: The stage is set for the knockout matches as the quarter-final line-up of the National Under-18 Hockey Championship 2026 was finalised at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Ground following Tuesday matches.
Organised under the auspices of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the Championship running from April 9 to 19 has witnessed intense competition among the country’s emerging hockey talent, culminating in the confirmation of eight teams for the decisive phase.
From the pool stages, Customs (Pool A), Punjab 4 and KPK 1 (Pool B), Punjab 1 (Pool C), and Punjab 2 (Pool D) secured their spots in the quarter-finals. They are joined by formidable sides Army and Punjab 3, setting up a high-stakes battle for supremacy.
On the sixth day of the tournament, fans were treated to two one-sided encounters showcasing dominant performances. In the first match, Punjab 2 delivered a commanding display, thrashing Islamabad 11-0 in a completely one-sided affair. Rana Sami led the charge with a brilliant hat-trick, while Hammad struck twice. The remaining goals came from Hunain, Abu Sufyan, Hamza, Farhan, Zain, and Zunair, underlining Punjab 2’s attacking depth and cohesion. The second match saw Army overpower Punjab 3 with a convincing 5-0 victory. Muzammil was the standout performer, netting a superb hat-trick, while Haseeb and Shoaib added one goal each to seal an emphatic win.
