Pakistani Pole Vaulter Noreen Hussain:

The Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 results, highlights, and the final match vs. Malaysia for the Pakistani junior hockey team

October 24, 2026
Read time | 5 min

Overview

The junior hockey team from Pakistan has qualified for the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 final, which is an Under-21 men’s competition held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. These kinds of competitions provide young athletes with an opportunity to compete against teams from across the world at a stage where their careers might go either way. Pakistan got off to a great start, defeating Canada 6-2 the following day and China 8-3 on October 17. On October 21, hosts Malaysia won a close match 3–2. In the last round-robin encounter against Japan on October 23, Pakistan needed a result and achieved it, overcoming two deficits to draw 2-2. That was sufficient to secure a Saturday, October 24 final matchup with Malaysia. The competition is important because prospective senior internationals get their first genuine exposure at junior competitions. With that in mind, head coach Sameer Hussain and captain Muhammad Imad have guided the team. This team has already given Pakistani hockey something to be happy about, regardless of the outcome of the final.

The Sultan of Johor Cup: What Is It?

Every year, Johor Bahru hosts the Sultan of Johor Cup, an international men's Under-21 field hockey competition. It brings together young teams from many nations, and for many players, it's their first experience. The Taman Daya Hockey Stadium will host the 2026 edition from October 17 to October 24.

Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and China are the five participating teams. In a round-robin, each team plays the others once. The teams in third and fourth place compete for third place after the top two teams square off in the championship game. This kind of competition serves as a link between senior international hockey and domestic hockey for younger athletes. It teaches players to maintain composure when a game is on the line, sharpens tactical awareness, and tests technique against unexpected styles. It is also meaningful for Pakistan in particular. The country has a proud hockey tradition, and this is exactly the kind of event where the next generation gets noticed. Pakistan has been here before, reaching the final in 2016 before losing 3–1 to Australia.

The Sultan of Johor Cup's Significance for Pakistani Hockey

Pakistan has a long history in hockey, but its ability to compete at the highest level hinges on what transpires at the youth level. Young athletes may test themselves against foreign opponents and obtain experience they couldn’t receive. It also benefits coaches. They are able to see how players respond to pressure, identify areas that require improvement, and determine who may be prepared to join the senior squad. Both sides of the issue have been shown by Pakistan’s Johor results. The victories over Canada and China demonstrated offensive promise, the Malaysian encounter demonstrated the consequences of a lack of discipline, and the Japan tie demonstrated tenacity. Each of the three lessons is beneficial. A clear pathway from school and club hockey to the junior team and then the senior side is what keeps a national program healthy. Events like this one are part of that path.

Pakistan's Junior Hockey Players Face Difficulties

Young players have several hurdles while playing international hockey, and Pakistan’s effort in Johor brought to light a number of these: It’s challenging to perform well in every game after a significant initial victory. The Malaysian game demonstrated how a lead may be reversed by cards and fewer players. Converting penalty strokes and corners is important since they may determine close games. Dealing with these takes good coaching, proper fitness work, and more chances to play at this level. Results matter, but the real aim of junior hockey is preparing players for the senior game.

The Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 performance of the Pakistani junior hockey team

With two victories, one tie, and one loss, Pakistan ended the round-robin stage with seven points and a +8 goal differential. Pakistan scored 18 goals across the four games. That tally ended up deciding their place in the final, because Japan also finished on seven points with the same goal difference but only 16 goals scored.

Pakistan’s 8–3 Win Over China

On October 17, Pakistan defeated China 8–3 to start the competition. Any side would prefer to open a game with eight goals, and Pakistan immediately moved up to the top of the standings. The attack’s overall effectiveness was also demonstrated by the score. Movement off the ball, fast passing, and precise finishing are all necessary for good hockey goals, and Pakistan was able to do all three. Conceding three goals acted as a reminder that the defense still had room to tighten up. Even so, the re s ult gave the squad confidence before the tougher games ahead.

Pakistan beats Canada 6–2

The second match, on October 18, brought a 6–2 win over Canada and a second straight victory. The Express Tribune described the performance as dominant, and the four-goal margin backs that up. Back-to-back wins are valuable early in a round-robin. They put points on the board, built momentum, and gave the younger players experience of handling a lead against a different style of opposition.

Japan vs. Pakistan: A Draw That Won the Title

On October 23, Pakistan’s last round-robin encounter versus Japan was extremely tense. The outcome would determine who advanced to the final, since both teams were vying for a spot. Pakistan experienced two setbacks and two victories. The game was tied at 2-2 when Ghulam Mustafa scored again in the 43rd minute, and Hamza Fayyaz equalized in the 34th. Pakistan won on goals scored (18 to 16); however, both sides ended with seven points and an +8 goal differential. For a young side that had lost to Malaysia two days earlier, this was a good test of character. Fighting back under that kind of pressure says a lot about the squad’s mentality.

Malaysia vs. Pakistan: A Close Match That Was Lost

Pakistan’s hardest round-robin match came against Malaysia on October 21. At the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, the hosts prevailed 3-2 to maintain their perfect record. Pakistan had an early opportunity to advance. Malaysian goalkeeper Abid Amsyar Hanif blocked Rana Waleed’s penalty attempt in the twelfth minute. In the 28th minute, T. Naaveennash Panicker gave Malaysia the lead. In the 36th minute, Adeel tied the score, and in the 43rd minute, Pakistan took a 2-1 lead. The match turned on discipline. Pakistan picked up cards and played with fewer players for stretches, eventually finishing with eight on the pitch after a yellow card to Haider Asam in the 58th minute. Malaysia made the most of the space. Safwan Salihe equalized in the 55th minute, and Panicker scored the winner two minutes later. It was both a terrible and a helpful way to lose. Pakistan will keep in mind that Malaysia’s inability to capitalize on their penalty corners ultimately determined the outcome of the game. The hosts need to prove something as well. They will have an advantage in the final because of their two losses to Pakistan at the Junior Asia Cup earlier this year.

Conclusion

The Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 performance of Pakistan’s junior hockey squad was outstanding. Strong victories against Canada (6-2) and China (8-3) were followed by a close 3-2 defeat to Malaysia and a hard-fought 2-2 tie with Japan that guaranteed a spot in the final based on goals scored. On Saturday, October 24, there will be a rematch against undefeated Malaysia. Pakistan has demonstrated that they can compete with anyone in this sector, but they will need to maintain discipline and take risks. Win or lose, the tournament has been valuable for these players. Continued investment in coaching, facilities, and international exposure can turn promising performances like these into a stronger future for Pakistan hockey.

FAQS

What is the 2026 Sultan of Johor Cup?

From October 17 to October 24, 2026, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, will host an international Under-21 men's field hockey competition. China, Canada, Japan, Pakistan, and Malaysia are participating.

How did Pakistan fare in the match against China?

On October 17, Pakistan defeated China 8–3 in the first game.

How did Pakistan vs. Canada turn out?

On October 18, Pakistan won 6-2 for the second time in a row.

Did Pakistan beat Malaysia in the round-robin stage?

No. Malaysia won 3–2 on October 21. Pakistan led 2–1 at one point, but Malaysia scored twice late on while Pakistan was short of players.

What was the result of Pakistan vs. Japan?

The match ended 2–2 on October 23. Hamza Fayyaz and Ghulam Mustafa scored for Pakistan.

How did Pakistan qualify for the final?

Pakistan and Japan both finished on seven points with an +8 goal difference. Pakistan went through because they scored more goals (18 against 16).