Pakistan Edge Japan 4-3 in Thrilling FIH Hockey World Cup Encounter
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 22nd Aug, 2026)
Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Japan 4-3 in a thrilling match at the FIH International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Cup 2026 being held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Japan got off to an aggressive start, taking an early lead through Hyota Yamada in the 7th minute. Kaito Tanaka extended the advantage to 2-0 in the 15th minute.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter. Rana Waheed Ashraf scored in the 22nd minute to pull one back, before netting his second in the 32nd minute to level the score at 2-2. Just a minute later, in the 33rd minute, Hammaduddin Muhammad found the net to put Pakistan ahead 3-2.
Japan equalized again in the 36th minute through Koji Yamasaki to make it 3-3. However, Pakistan held its nerve and Shahid Hannan scored the decisive goal in the 41st minute to give Pakistan a 4-3 lead.
Japan pressed hard in the closing stages in search of an equalizer, but Pakistan’s defense stood firm to preserve the lead.
With the win, Pakistan secured a crucial victory in a tense and closely contested World Cup fixture.
Goal scorers for Pakistan were Rana Waheed Ashraf (22′, 32′), Hammaduddin Muhammad (33′), Shahid Hannan (41′).
Japan scored through Hyota Yamada (7′), Kaito Tanaka (15′), Koji Yamasaki (36′).
