Johor Bahru – Pakistan’s junior hockey team made a statement in their opening match of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, thrashing hosts Malaysia by 7–2 to kick off their campaign with a commanding victory.
Pakistan wasted no time asserting dominance as Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner in just the 3rd minute. Malaysia responded in the 20th minute through Ammar Qais Yeri Halim, leveling the score, but Pakistan quickly regained the lead when Sufyan struck again a minute later from another penalty corner.
The Green Shirts went on a rampage soon after, netting four goals within five minutes to completely swing the match in their favor. Hannan Shahid, Nazeem Khan, and Sufyan – who completed his hat-trick – were among the scorers during Pakistan’s blistering spell of play.
Malaysia tried to fight back with a goal from Azeemuddin Kamaruddin in the 35th minute, but Pakistan maintained their dominance till the final whistle, adding two more goals to seal a memorable 7–2 victory.
The Sultan of Johor Cup is a prestigious week-long international U21 men’s hockey tournament held at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Bahru. This year’s edition features six teams – Pakistan, India, Great Britain, Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
Pakistan will next face Great Britain, followed by a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India later in the tournament.
Pakistan Squad: Ali Raza, Muhammad Faizan Janjua, Muhammad Sufyan, Muhammad Waseem, Samiullah, Muhammad Nazeem Khan, Zakariya Hayat, Aqeel Ahmed, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hannan Shahid, Ali Murtaza, Rana Muhammad Walid Ashraf, Hamza Fayaz, Abdul Qayoom, Muhammad Usman, Ashraf, Basharat Ali, Muhammad Shahar.
Reserves: Yasir Sanour, Muhammad Hassan.
