Pakistan had earlier advanced to the final by edging out Malaysia in a tense penalty shootout during the semifinal.
Japan Defeat Pakistan to Clinch U-18 Hockey Asia Cup Title. Japan emerged as champions of the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup after securing a convincing 3-0 win over Pakistan in the final played in Dazhou, China.
Pakistan’s hopes of clinching the title were dashed in a one-sided contest, with Japan scoring in the second, third, and fourth quarters to seal the victory.
Pakistan had earlier advanced to the final by edging out Malaysia in a tense penalty shootout during the semifinal.
Heading into the U-18 Hockey Asia Cup Title, the Pakistan U-18 side had remained unbeaten, recording dominant wins over Hong Kong (8-0), Sri Lanka (9-0), Bangladesh (6-3), and hosts China (2-1) in the group stage.
Earlier, New Zealand had outclassed Pakistan with a commanding 6-2 victory to secure their place in the final of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup held in Malaysia. From the outset, New Zealand dominated the game, building an unassailable 5-0 lead by halftime. Their aggressive playstyle kept the Pakistani defense under relentless pressure, as they capitalized on penalty corners and field goals to extend their advantage. Despite Pakistan’s spirited efforts in the second half, they managed only two goals, which were not enough to challenge the dominant New Zealand side.
Pakistan had earned their spot in the final by delivering a strong performance against France in the semi-finals, while New Zealand advanced after a shootout win against Korea. The final match, played in Kuala Lumpur, saw enthusiastic support from Pakistani fans who cheered their team throughout the game. Although Pakistan faced a heavy defeat, their journey to the final demonstrated notable progress and highlighted important areas for development as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
