The German Junior Hockey Team has arrived in Pakistan for a four-match series, marking the return of international hockey after 15 years. This initiative aims to provide exposure for local junior players and reestablish Pakistan’s place in global hockey. Significant matches are scheduled in March 2025, ahead of the Junior World Cup in India, amidst ongoing challenges in the sport’s management and infrastructure.
The German Junior Hockey Team, crowned world champions, has arrived in Islamabad for a four-match series. This visit marks the return of international hockey to Pakistan after approximately 15 years, as confirmed in a statement by the government’s press department.
The last international hockey event in Pakistan occurred seven years ago during the ‘Friendship Series’ featuring matches against China. The country’s last major event was the Champions Trophy hosted in Lahore in 2004, after which international teams hesitated to visit due to ongoing security concerns.
Following the September 11 attacks and the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, sporting activities have been severely impacted, leading to Pakistan’s isolation as a sporting venue. The current initiative, advocated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to enhance international exposure for Pakistani junior players and reestablish Pakistan as a significant player in global hockey.
The upcoming series will consist of one match in Islamabad and three in Lahore, scheduled for March 6, 8, and 11, with the final match on March 13. This series is crucial as both teams prepare for the 2025 Hockey Junior World Cup in India and promises an exciting competition for fans.
Field hockey, once the pride of Pakistan’s national sports, has faced substantial challenges. The sport’s decline is attributed to poor management, inadequate infrastructure, and the overshadowing popularity of cricket. Additionally, the inability to adjust to modern standards, such as enhancing fitness levels and using artificial turfs, has exacerbated the situation. Pakistan currently ranks 15th in the world for field hockey, as per the International Hockey Federation’s latest rankings.
The arrival of the German Junior Hockey Team in Pakistan marks a pivotal moment for the revival of international hockey in the country. The organized matches aim to not only provide competitive opportunities for local junior players but also to re-establish Pakistan’s status as a key venue in global hockey. Despite past challenges, this initiative could herald a new era for hockey in Pakistan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
