The Korean national hockey team has arrived in Islamabad to play a four-match FIH-approved international Test series against Pakistan, marking the first visit by an international hockey team to the country for a formal bilateral series in nearly two decades.
The series will begin on July 30, with the second Test scheduled for August 1, followed by the third on August 4 and the fourth on August 7. All four matches will be played in the federal capital.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has described the tour as an important step towards the revival of international hockey in the country and a reflection of growing confidence in the country’s ability to host international sporting events in a safe and professional environment.
PHF President Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani welcomed the Korean team upon its arrival and described the series as a proud moment for Pakistan hockey. “After almost two decades, we are once again welcoming an international team in Pakistan,” Wani said.
“We warmly welcome the Korean national hockey team and are confident that this series will promote quality international hockey while further strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries,” he added.
The four FIH-approved Tests will give both teams valuable international exposure and competitive preparation ahead of their upcoming commitments.
The PHF has thanked the government, security agencies and other stakeholders for their support in facilitating the visit, and has invited hockey fans across the country to attend the matches and support the national team.
The series will also be the first major test for Pakistan’s newly appointed high-performance coaching staff, who have been working with the national team over the past couple of weeks.
Earlier in July, the PHF appointed an internationally acclaimed coaching team as part of its strategy to revive Pakistan hockey and restore the country’s standing among the world’s leading hockey nations.
The timing of the series is particularly important, with Pakistan set to compete at the FIH Hockey World Cup from August 15 to August 30.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Belgium and Netherlands.
