Pakistan’s U18 men’s hockey team has booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing U18 Asia Cup 2025 with a flawless run through the group stage, topping Pool A after four dominant wins over Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the hosts China.
The young Greenshirts were relentless in their campaign, racking up 25 goals while conceding just four—demonstrating both attacking flair and defensive discipline under pressure.
Pakistan began their campaign in emphatic style, thrashing Hong Kong China 8-0 in their tournament opener on July 5. The very next day, they followed it up with a 9-0 demolition of Sri Lanka, showcasing their depth and energy despite the tight turnaround.
Those back-to-back wins not only put Pakistan firmly in control of Pool A but also sent a message to the rest of the field: the former Asian giants are serious about reclaiming their standing at the grassroots level.
Against Bangladesh, Pakistan were tested more rigorously but came through with a 6-3 win in an open, fast-paced contest that saw both teams display sharp attacking intent. The decisive Pool A clash came against China on July 9. A tightly contested encounter saw Pakistan edge past the hosts 2-1, sealing top spot and an unblemished record heading into the knockouts.
Pakistan will now face Malaysia in the semi-final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup on July 11 at 17:30 local time, with a place in the final and a potential shot at the title on the line.
Malaysia, having emerged as runners-up in Pool B to Japan, are expected to pose a stern challenge, but Pakistan head into the encounter high on momentum and confidence.
With a perfect group stage behind them, Pakistan’s young stars have already reignited hope for the country’s hockey revival and with just two matches now standing between them and the continental crown, the stakes are higher than ever.
The road to the final is open and Pakistan’s young stars look more than ready.
