ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s junior men’s and women’s hockey teams made significant progress in the Junior Asia Cup 2026, with the men storming into the semi-finals and securing qualification for the Junior World Cup, while the women booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Pakistan’s junior men produced an impressive attacking display in their crucial Pool B encounter, brushing aside Bangladesh 3-0 to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament. Rana Waleed emerged as the star of the show, scoring twice in the opening quarter to put Pakistan firmly in command. He struck in the ninth and 12th minutes with two well-taken field goals as Pakistan dominated the proceedings and kept Bangladesh under constant pressure.
Pakistan continued to control the match after the interval and finally added a third goal in the 52nd minute when Ghulam Mustafa finished off a superb attacking move. His impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The comprehensive victory not only kept Pakistan unbeaten but also confirmed their place in the semi-finals and earned them qualification for the 2026 Junior World Cup. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s junior women fought out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan in their Challenger Pool encounter to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Kazakhstan took the lead in the 15th minute through Aman Galdy Zhansaya, leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb. The Pakistani players, however, responded strongly and continued to press for an equaliser.
Their efforts finally paid off in the 55th minute when captain Sharqa Sarwar produced an excellent field goal to bring Pakistan level. The equaliser ensured Pakistan avoided defeat and secured a place in the quarter-finals, keeping their campaign alive in the continental competition.
