FIH Announces Schedule for Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023; Pakistan Placed in Group D

The FIH has officially announced the schedule for this year’s Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup during a ceremony held in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Pakistan has been placed in Group D, along with the Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand.

Abdul Hanan Shahid, a player from the Pakistan hockey team, expressed his excitement about the tournament, stating that it provides a great opportunity for the team to showcase their potential and skills while representing their country. He also extended good luck to the other participating teams and looked forward to a competitive event.

In addition to Pakistan, the host country Malaysia has been placed in Group A alongside Argentina, Australia, and Chile. Group B consists of Germany, France, South Africa, and Egypt, while Group C includes India, Spain, Korea, and Canada. The groupings were determined based on the initial FIH Junior Hockey World Rankings.

The tournament will take place from December 5 to 16 at the National Hockey Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.

During the ceremony, the official logo of the event was also unveiled. The logo incorporates the green color to symbolize love for the environment, along with elements representing Malaysia such as the Hibiscus (the national flower) and the Hornbill (a national symbol). The design also features prominent landmarks of Kuala Lumpur, including the Merdeka 118 skyscraper, the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), and the Kuala Lumpur Tower. The Putrajaya Bridge, which represents the grandeur of the administrative hub of Malaysia, is another significant component highlighted in the logo.

Pakistan’s schedule for the tournament is as follows:

• December 6: Pakistan vs Netherlands
• December 7: Pakistan vs New Zealand
• December 9: Pakistan vs Belgium