(By Asghar Ali Mubarak)

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan national hockey team delivered a clinical, high-intensity performance to beat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test match at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Islamabad. Organized by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), this crucial victory gives the Green Shirts a commanding 2-0 lead in the historic four-match bilateral series, marking a triumphant return for international field hockey to the capital after a 20-year hiatus.

🏑 Drama on the Pitch: Comeback and Tactical Brilliance

  • The First-Half Setback: Following an incredibly tight defensive battle, South Korea broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Son Dain scored a brilliant field goal to put the visitors 1-0 up heading into the break.
  • The Quick Reply: Pakistan responded immediately in the second half. In the 33rd minute, forward Abdul Rehman capitalised on a stunning team play to smash home a field goal and level the scoreline 1-1.
  • The Skipper’s Masterclass: Taking total control of the game, Pakistan pressed aggressively. In the 52nd minute, captain Abubakar Mahmood converted a fierce penalty corner to give Pakistan a 2-1 lead.
  • Sealing the Match: In the dying seconds of the match (60th minute), Abubakar Mahmood struck again with another clinical penalty corner drag-flick, sealing the definitive 3-1 win.
  • Man of the Match: For his sensational on-field leadership and two critical goals, Pakistan captain Abubakar Mahmood was officially named the Man of the Match.

👥 Squads and Team Lineups

Pakistan Squad & Management

  • Starting Eleven (X): Waqar (GK), Abdullah Muhammad, Mustafa Umar, Khan Sufyan, Shakeel Moin, Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hayat Zikriya, Nadeem Ahmad, Butt Ammad, Abubakar Mahmood (C), Ammad Muhammad.
  • Substitutes: Liaqat Arshad, Latif Adeel, Ali Ghazanfar, Hammadudin Muhammad, Abdul Rehman, Afraz, Raza Ali (GK).
  • Head Coach: Veldhof Bob
  • Team Manager: Bowen Christopher

South Korea Squad & Management

  • Starting Eleven (X): Kim Jaehyeon (GK), Kim Kyubeom, Yang Jihun (C), Sim Jaewon, Rim Jinkang, Kim Jaeho, Son Dain, Kim Hyeongjin, Bae Seung Min, Kim Hyeonhong, Park Cheoleon.
  • Substitutes: Kim Yong Bok, Lee Gangsan, Lim Dohyun, Oh Seyong, Lee Seungwoo, Kim Jaehan (GK), Lee Hyeseung.
  • Head Coach: Min Taeseok
  • Team Manager: Jang Jung Min

👔 Governor and Dignitaries Witness the Action

  • KPK Governor in Attendance: The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, was the Chief Guest. He highly praised the thrilling pace of the game and congratulated both teams for reviving international sports in Islamabad.
  • Commemorative Souvenir: During the post-match ceremony, PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a special commemorative shield to Governor Kundi.
  • Top Sports Officials: The Governor was joined courtside by the Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Yawar Hussain, alongside key PHF management.

📋 Technical Officials Panel

The high-stakes international match was smoothly supervised by a certified panel of officials:

  • Field Umpires: Khan Fahad Ali (PAK) and Abbas Asad (PAK)
  • Reserve Umpire: Raza Muhammad Sajid (PAK)
  • Timing Judge: Javed Muhammad (PAK)
  • Scoring Judge: Shahzad Adnan (PAK)
  • Technical Officer: Tufail Hamza (PAK)

📅 Remaining Series Fixtures

  • 3rd Test Match: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
  • 4th Test Match: Friday, August 7, 2026