Pakistan’s junior hockey team finished as runners-up at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 after hosts Malaysia won the final 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
What happened?
Pakistan made a flying start, with Rana Waleed scoring from a penalty corner in the 19th minute and Muhammad Usman doubling the lead shortly after. Malaysia pulled one back through Muhammad Adam Johari’s penalty corner in the 25th minute, and Dheeressh Gunaseelan equalised from a penalty corner in the 49th minute. With neither side able to find a winner, the final went to a shootout, where Malaysia held their nerve to win 4-3. Hamza Fayyaz missed Pakistan’s opening attempt and Muhammad Ammad faltered in the fifth round, while Aferullsyah scored the decisive penalty for the hosts.
Key details
- Pakistan reached the final after an 8-3 win over China, a 6-2 win over Canada, a narrow 3-2 defeat to Malaysia in the group stage, and a 2-2 draw with Japan, qualifying ahead of Japan on goals scored (18 to 16).
- It was Pakistan’s first appearance in the tournament final in 10 years.
- The title was Malaysia’s second since the tournament began in 2011 and their first since the inaugural edition, ending a 15-year wait.
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation praised the players and coaching staff, calling the run to the final an encouraging development for junior hockey in the country.
What it means for people in Pakistan
For young hockey players and fans, a silver medal at a major junior tournament is a rare bright spot for the sport, and the team’s run to the final shows the junior pipeline can still compete with Asia’s best. The challenge now is turning junior promise into senior results.
Source: https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/60726-malaysia-beat-pakistan-on-penalties-to-win-sultan-of-johor-cup-2026
