Draft — monitor run 2026-10-17 19:05 PKT
- Suggested slug: pakistan-china-johor-cup-8-3
- Category: Sports
- Focus keyphrase: Pakistan China Johor Cup
- SEO title: Pakistan Whip China 8-3 in Johor Cup Hockey Opener
- Meta description: Pakistan’s junior hockey team opened their Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 campaign with an 8-3 win over China, with Haider Asim scoring twice.
- Tags: Sultan of Johor Cup, Pakistan junior hockey, Pakistan vs China hockey, PHF, Haider Asim, Pakistan hockey
- Original element: own data point — set against our hockey coverage this month: the Asian Games bronze against South Korea, the National Hockey Stadium upgrade and the Pakistan Hockey League launch
- Source: Tribune (“Pakistan whip China in Johor Cup”, published 17 Oct 2026, 4:49 PM PKT; story/2635370)
Pakistan Whip China 8-3 in Johor Cup Hockey Opener
Pakistan’s junior hockey team opened their Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 campaign with an emphatic 8-3 victory over China, producing an attacking display to start the tournament on a winning note.
Pakistan took the lead in the 13th minute through Saifullah before Farooq Muhammad doubled the advantage in the 30th minute. Rana Waleed scored in the 37th minute, followed by Hamza Fayyaz’s strike two minutes later, as Pakistan strengthened their grip on the match.
Mustafa Ghulam added another goal in the 43rd minute, while Usman Muhammad struck a minute later to extend Pakistan’s advantage. Haider Asim completed the rout with two late goals in the 55th and 57th minutes to seal a comprehensive win.
Liang Haolin scored twice for China, while Wang Yubo added their third goal.
PHF chief hails fighting spirit
Pakistan Hockey Federation president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the players, team officials and coaching staff on the victory.
In a statement, Wani praised the team’s fighting spirit and unity, describing their performance as encouraging for the future of Pakistan hockey. He expressed hope that the junior side would maintain the same momentum in their upcoming matches and continue to make the country proud.
A bright spot in a rebuilding year
The result is a welcome bright spot for Pakistan hockey, which has spent the year rebuilding. Earlier this month, the senior side rallied past South Korea 5-3 to claim the Asian Games bronze, a result that steadied nerves after the semi-final defeat to India.
Off the field, the structures are being put in place too. Punjab has approved a Rs400 million upgrade for Lahore’s National Hockey Stadium, and the Pakistan Hockey League is set for an October launch in Islamabad. A junior team scoring eight in a tournament opener suggests the pipeline is producing talent to fill those structures.
The Sultan of Johor Cup is one of the premier junior tournaments in world hockey, and an opening win of this margin puts Pakistan in a strong early position. The challenge now is consistency: junior tournaments are won by teams that back up big first results, not by teams that produce one.
FAQs
What was the score in Pakistan vs China at the Johor Cup?
Pakistan’s junior hockey team beat China 8-3 in their Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 opener.
Who scored for Pakistan?
Saifullah, Farooq Muhammad, Rana Waleed, Hamza Fayyaz, Mustafa Ghulam, Usman Muhammad and Haider Asim, who scored twice.
What did the PHF president say?
Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the players, officials and coaching staff, praising their fighting spirit and unity and expressing hope they would maintain the momentum.
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Related reading: Pakistan Rally Past South Korea 5-3 to Claim Asian Games Hockey Bronze · Punjab Approves Rs400m Upgrade for Lahore’s National Hockey Stadium · Pakistan Hockey League 2026 Launch Set for October 14 · India Beat Pakistan 4-3 in Asian Games Hockey Semi-Final
