ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national hockey team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second match of the Pakistan-South Korea Test Series, taking the lead in the series.
Captain Abubakar Mahmood scored twice and was named Player of the Match after inspiring Pakistan’s second-half revival.
The match, organised by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), was played at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.
Both teams displayed disciplined defending in the opening half. South Korea broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Sun Din scored a field goal to give the visitors a 1-0 lead before halftime.
Pakistan responded immediately after the break. Abdul Rehman equalized with a field goal in the 33rd minute, just three minutes into the second half.
The home side then dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities.
Captain Abubakar Mahmood put Pakistan ahead in the 52nd minute by converting a penalty corner. He sealed the victory in the final minute with another successful penalty corner, making the score 3-1.
Mahmood received the Player of the Match award for his match-winning performance and leadership.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi attended the match as the chief guest. Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented him with a commemorative shield during the closing ceremony.
Kundi welcomed the return of international hockey to Pakistan, saying such matches would help revive the national sport and boost the confidence of young players. Pakistan Sports Board Director General Yawar Hussain also attended the event.
The match was officiated by Fahad Ali Khan and Asad Abbas, with Muhammad Sajid Raza serving as reserve umpire, Haroon Rashid as video umpire, Adnan Shahzad as scoring judge and Mehboob Javed as timing judge.
The Pakistan-South Korea Test Series aims to provide the national team with valuable international match practice ahead of future global competitions.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has been working to revive international hockey in the country by hosting foreign teams, as it seeks to restore Pakistan’s standing in the sport. The victory over South Korea is expected to boost the team’s confidence ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
