Old rivals Pakistan and India are set to rekindle their fierce hockey rivalry as they face off in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 on October 14 at Malaysia’s Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
The U21 men’s international hockey tournament, launched in 2011, remains one of the premier junior events on the global hockey calendar.
The current edition, running from October 11 to 18, features six top teams — Pakistan, India, Australia, Great Britain, Malaysia, and New Zealand — vying for glory.
Defending champions Great Britain enter the tournament as favourites, having clinched their fourth title last year after defeating Australia in a dramatic final.
According to the official schedule, Pakistan will open their campaign against hosts Malaysia on October 11, followed by a clash with Great Britain on October 12.
After a brief break, the Green Shirts will take on arch-rivals India in what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the tournament.
Pakistan will then play New Zealand on October 15, before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Australia on October 17. The classification and final matches are set for October 18.
Led by a blend of experience and youthful talent, Pakistan’s junior squad aims to make a strong impression in Johor Bahru. The team includes Ali Raza, Muhammad Faizan Janjua, Muhammad Sufyan, Muhammad Wasim, Samiullah, Muhammad Nadeem Khan, Zakaria Hayat, Aqeel Ahmed, Muhammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Ali Murtaza, Rana Muhammad Walid Ashraf, Hamza Fayyaz, Abdul Qayyum, Muhammad Usman, Ashraf, Basharat Ali, and Muhammad Shaheer.
