Pakistan secured their first victory in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 2-1 on Wednesday at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia, China.
The match began with an early goal by Nadeem Ahmed in the first quarter, giving Pakistan the lead. However, Japan equalized in the second quarter. In the 10th minute of the same quarter, Sufyan Khan restored Pakistan’s lead with a decisive goal, which proved enough to seal the win.
This marks Pakistan’s first win in the tournament after two back-to-back draws. The Green Shirts previously faced South Korea on Monday, where they ended with a 2-2 draw despite leading by two goals. South Korea scored first, maintaining their lead through three quarters before Hanan Shahid’s quick-fire double gave Pakistan a brief advantage. However, Korea leveled the game in the final moments.
Similarly, Pakistan’s opening match against Malaysia on Sunday also ended in a 2-2 draw.
The team is scheduled to face China on September 12, followed by a highly anticipated match against India on September 14.
Pakistan’s Asian Champions Trophy Schedule
- vs Malaysia (2-2) — September 8
- vs South Korea (2-2) — September 9
- vs Japan (2-1) — September 11
- vs China — September 12
- vs India — September 14
