The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has revealed the 20-member squad set to compete in the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, scheduled from 5th to 16th December 2023 at Malaysia National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
Leading the team will be forward Abdul Hanan Shahid, with Dutch-origin Roelant Oltmans at the helm as head coach. Oltmans boasts prior coaching experience with national teams including the Netherlands (men & women), Pakistan, India, and Malaysia.
Notably, he secured the 1996 Summer Olympics gold medal coaching the Dutch men’s team and claimed victories in the 1990 Women’s Hockey World Cup and the 1998 Men’s Hockey World Cup with the Netherlands.
The complete squad comprises Ali Raza (Goalkeeper), Arbaz Ahmad, Sufyan Khan, Ghazanfar, Murtaza Yaqoob, Zikriya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Abdul Rehman, Hanan Shahid (Captain), Abuzar, Arbaz Ayaz, Abdul Rafay (Goalkeeper), Abdul Manan, M Ammad, Ahtisham, Basharat Ali, Aqeel Ahmed, Ali Murtaza, Umer Mustafa, and Abdul Qayyum.
The team officials will include Team Manager Lt Col (retd) Asif Naz Khokhar, Head Coach Roelant Oltamans Coaches Olympian Shakeel Abbasi, International Muhammad Ali, International Muhammad Asif, Physiotherapist Muhammad Aslam and Video Analyst Nadeem Lodhi.
Meanwhile, chief selector Asif Bajwa and head coach Roelant Oltmans discussed the squad in a press conference, highlighting its significance for Pakistan’s future.
“This tournament holds immense importance as our junior side will pave the way forward for Pakistan,” said Bajwa.
“We’ve assembled a strong team. Our initial aim is to secure a spot in the quarter-finals,” stated Roelant Oltmans.
The Netherlands, New Zealand and Belgium are included in Pakistan’s group.
“While our group presents a challenge, I have faith in this team’s ability to deliver,” he added.
The Junior Hockey World Cup, an under-21 event, allows players born after 1st January 2002 to participate. Sixteen countries will vie for the trophy.
Pakistan secured qualification after finishing as runners-up in the 2023 Junior Asia Cup in Salalah, Oman, losing to India 2-1 in the final match. South Korea secured third place, also qualifying for the Junior World Cup.
