ISLAMABAD, Apr 12: The Youth Under-18 National Hockey Championship 2026, organized by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), continued in full swing on its fourth day at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, with two contrasting encounters keeping the fans thoroughly entertained.
The day’s proceedings were graced by PHF President and Secretary of the Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry, Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, who was formally introduced to players and officials from the participating teams.
The first match of the day turned out to be a completely one-sided contest as Punjab 2 handed Azad Jammu & Kashmir a comprehensive 14-0 thrashing. Punjab 2 displayed clinical and dominant hockey throughout, with the goals flowing freely from the first whistle to the last.
Hanain Noor led the scoring charts with a hat-trick, while Muhammad Hassan, Babar, and Abu Sufyan each contributed a brace. Zunair, Amir, Farhan, Zain, and Rana Dami rounded off the tally with a goal apiece, completing a thoroughly professional performance by the Punjab 2 side.
The second match of the day was a far tighter and more competitive affair, ending in a 1-1 draw between Sindh 1 and Punjab 3. Rehan got his name on the scoresheet for Sindh 1, while Noor replied for Punjab 3 to ensure the points were shared equally between the two evenly-matched sides.
The event was attended by a number of prominent hockey officials and dignitaries, including PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, PHF Selection Committee Member and Olympian Naeem Akhtar, Chief Coordinator Abdul Nasir Akhunzada,
Tournament Director Khawaja Muhammad Junaid, Assistant Tournament Directors Shafiq Bhatti and Mahmood Ahmed, Umpire Manager Sohail Akram Janjua, Coordinator Khawar Javed, and Media Coordinator Muhammad Waqas Sheikh. A large number of hockey enthusiasts and officials were also present in the stands to cheer on the young talent.
The Youth Under-18 National Hockey Championship 2026, running from April 9 to 19, features 16 teams from across the country competing fiercely for the national title. The tournament serves as a key platform for identifying and nurturing the next generation of Pakistani hockey talent.
