Saturday 6 June 2026

England set for home FIH Hockey Pro League showdown in London


Drone shot of Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre

England Hockey has named its men’s and women’s squads for the first block of matches at the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches in London, as home fans prepare for 12 days of world-class international hockey at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre from 13-28 June.

---

Pakistan hit by injury setbacks ahead of FIH Pro League

Abdul Mohi Shah

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s hockey team has suffered a significant setback ahead of its departure for the prestigious FIH Pro League in Europe, with star forward Hannan Shahid and leading penalty-corner specialist Sufyan Khan being ruled out because of injuries just days before the squad leaves for Belgium.

---

Loughborough duo, four U21s called up by England


Lily Owsley is closing in on 150 England caps PIC: Graeme Wilcockson

Four men’s and women’s under-21 players will be given senior Test match experience after being called up for England ahead of the upcoming FIH Pro League matches in London this month.

---

Law Announces Canada Series Squad



CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Allan Law has named the 20-athlete squad that will travel to Surrey, Canada to compete in an international series against No. 19 Canada from June 29 to July 2.

---

U18 Asia Cup 2026
Kakamigahara

All times GMT +9

Men

4 Jun 2026  was a rest day

5 Jun 2026 09:00     TPE v CHN (7/8th)             3 - 4
5 Jun 2026 11:00     KOR v BAN (5/6th)             2 - 1
5 Jun 2026 17:00     JPN v MAS (Semi Final 1)     8 - 1
5 Jun 2026 19:00     PAK v IND (Semi Final 2)      3 - 5

6 Jun 2026 15:00     MAS v PAK (Bronze Medal) 0 - 3
6 Jun 2026 19:00     JPN v IND (Gold Medal)        1 - 4

Pool standings

Women

4 Jun 2026 10:00     SGP v TPE (7/8th)             0 - 3
4 Jun 2026 12:00     MAS v BAN (5/6th)             4 - 0

5 Jun 2026 13:00     IND v CHN (Semi Final 1)     2 - 2 (1 - 3 SO)
5 Jun 2026 15:00     JPN v KOR (Semi Final 2)     1 - 0 

6 Jun 2026 13:00     IND v KOR (Bronze Medal)     3 - 0
6 Jun 2026 17:00     CHN v JPN (Gold Medal)        2 - 1  

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

---

Outclassed juniors suffer record defeat against rampant Japan in Asia Cup

By Aftar Singh


Malaysian player (in yellow) against Japan in the semi-finals of boys' Under-18 Asia Cup hockey in Kakamigahara, Japan on June 5. -- Pic by Asian Hockey Federation (AHF)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat to defending champions Japan in the boys' under-18 Asia Cup semi-finals in Kakamigahara, Japan on Friday.

---

India beat Pakistan 5-3 in thrilling semi-final to enter U18 Men’s Asia Cup final

Ashish Tani Purti (12’, 49’, 53’, 56’) scores four goals to lead India's last-quarter comeback 



Kakamigahara, Japan: The Indian U18 Men’s Hockey Team showed incredible character to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-voltage semi-final match of the U18 Men’s Asia Cup 2026 on Friday. Trailing 2-3 until the final quarter, India produced an outstanding attacking display in the final minutes to secure their place in the summit clash.

---

Purti’s Four-Goal Masterclass Powers India Past Pakistan into U-18 Men’s Asia Cup Final

s2h team



KAKAMIGAHARA, JAPAN: The Indian U-18 Men’s Hockey Team showcased incredible character and resilience to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-voltage semi-final of the U-18 Men’s Asia Cup 2026 on Friday. Trailing 2-3 heading into the final quarter, India unleashed an outstanding attacking display in the dying minutes, propelled by a spectacular four-goal performance from forward Ashish Tani Purti, to secure their spot in the tournament’s summit clash.

---

Pakistan hockey player celebrates like winning after scoring controversial goal but its India who win

Pakistani players celebrated in wild fashion after levelling for the second time against India in the U18 Men’s Asia Cup hockey. However, their joy did not last long as ultimately, India won the match.


India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinal of U18 men's Asia Cup. X/HockeyIndia

India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a high-voltage semi-final of the U18 Men’s Asia Cup in Japan’s Kakamigahara on Friday, June 5 to secure a place in the final of the competition. It was a hard-earned victory for the Men in Blue who were trailing until the final quarter of the match.

---

India beat Pakistan to reach U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 final

India will face Japan in the grand finale on Saturday


India and Pakistan hockey players were pictured in action during the second semifinal of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan, on June 5, 2026. — Asian Hockey Federation

KAKAMIGAHARA: India secured a place in the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling second semi-final at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Friday.

---

Defensive lapses shatter Pakistan’s final dream

ISLAMABAD: Defensive lapses shattered Pakistan’s final dream as India rallied to win Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey semis.

---

India beat Pakistan 5-3 to reach U18 Hockey Asia Cup final

KAKAMIGAHARA   -   India booked their place in the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Pakistan 5-3 in the semifinal at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Friday.

---

After the high of beating Pakistan, Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team targets U18 Asia Cup title in ‘Final’ battle against Japan

 India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling semi-final and will face hosts Japan in the title match on Saturday in Kakamigahara



Kakamigahara, Japan: Following a thrilling 5-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi-final of the U18 Men’s Asia Cup 2026, a confident Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team is all set to take on hosts Japan in the final on Saturday. The match promises to be an exciting clash as India look to settle the score against the home side, who defeated them 4-2 during the pool stage of the tournament.

---

Indian U18 Women’s Hockey Team clinches Bronze Medal with commanding 3-0 win over Korea at Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026

Sandeepa Kumari, Sweety Kujur and Nousheen Naz score as India finish on the podium; Sandeepa named Player of the Match



New Delhi: The Indian U18 Women’s Hockey Team secured the Bronze Medal at the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 after registering a commanding 3-0 victory over Korea in the bronze medal match at Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday. Sandeepa Kumari (2’), Captain Sweety Kujur (16’) and Nousheen Naz (33’) were on target as India capped off their campaign with an impressive podium finish.

---

Young Scottish hockey umpire recognised for ‘lasting impact’


Ben Burton in action PIC: Edinburgh University

A young umpire who has officiated more than 60 matches during a season has won a student award for making a “lasting impact both on and off the pitch.”

---

1994 World Cup mastermind Hans Jorritsma passes away

Abdul Mohi Shah

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan hockey coach and strategist Hans Jorritsma, whose tactical expertise played a significant role in Pakistan’s historic 1994 World Cup triumph, has passed away in the Netherlands, bringing to an end the life of one of the most respected figures associated with international hockey and Dutch football administration.

---

Tauqeer Dar: Most Suitable Person for Pakistan Hockey`s Revival

Pakistan has the potential to excel in every field.

By Ijaz Chaudhry

The prime requirement is Right Person for the Right Job

Pakistan's national game is Hockey. Also, the sport which has given us three golds and three silvers at the Olympics. Unfortunately, Pakistan hockey has hit rock bottom. Pakistan has failed to qualify for the last three Olympics.

There is one person who can reinvigorate Pakistan hockey and bring back the past glories.

What are the Foremost Requirements?
-Revitalising hockey at the Grassroots
-Getting  Sponsorship
-Arranging Foreign Tours  
-Bringing Foreign Teams

Tauqeer Dar (Olympic gold medallist 1984) has the Proven Credentials - Ticks all the Boxes

-He is running the Best Academy in Pakistan, Dar Hockey Academy which is a conveyer belt of talent; providing players to the national teams. Dar Academy boys have been regularly featuring in Pakistan's national and age group teams for the last 10 years
-Arranging Foreign Tours for his academy to top hockey nations: Six tours of Europe in the last 12 years: Holland, Belgium and Germany. Also tours to India & Malaysia.
-All through Sponsorship arranged by his own efforts; not a single penny from the government or federation
-In 2012, when terrorism was at its peak, he arranged a tour of Flying Dutch Veterans to Pakistan. The Dutch team was studded with Olympic & World Cup medallists.  The team played three matches in Lahore including two matches at the Johar Town stadium watched by thousands of spectators.

Easily the most suitable person to turn Pakistan hockey’s fortunes around.

If Tauqeer is appointed the Secretary General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, he can bring  big business tycoons to sponsor hockey in the country. He can turn the PHF into a corporate body. Pakistan hockey will not be dependent on the government for any financial assistance and will also again see the international achievements of the past.

The following two videos give a good insight into the work & achievements of the Hockey Academy:

Dar Hockey Academy - A Great Success Story
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjAcFKWjRI0&t=331s

Dar Hockey Academy (Pakistan) Tour of Europe 2019
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TDyMDqK0Gk&t=32s

Ijaz...Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him & his work, visit http://www.sportscorrespondent.info