Pakistan’s national hockey team showcased a masterclass, securing a commanding 3-1 victory over South Korea in a high-profile match on Thursday that marked a historic milestone for the country’s national sport.

The match at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in the federal capital began as a cagey, defensive affair. Both sides tested each other’s backlines in the opening 15 minutes, leaving the first quarter entirely scoreless. However, the Green-shirts shifted into top gear in the second quarter, deploying a relentless attacking strategy that quickly rattled the Korean defence.

Pakistan broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when drag-flick specialist Muhammad Sufyan Khan capitalised on a penalty corner, firing a powerful strike past the Korean goalkeeper to give the hosts a well-deserved lead. South Korea fought back just before the long whistle, as Young Ji-hun converted a penalty corner in the 29th minute, temporarily silencing the home crowd by levelling the score-line at 1-1.

Refusing to back down, Pakistan launched a lightning counter-attack mere seconds before halftime. PHOTO: PAKISTAN HOCKEY FEDERATION FB page

Refusing to back down, Pakistan launched a lightning counter-attack mere seconds before halftime. In the 30th minute, Mahmood Abu Bakar converted a stunning field goal to restore Pakistan’s advantage right at the stroke of the interval. The hosts maintained their momentum into the third quarter. Sufyan Khan rose to the occasion once again in the 38th minute, converting his second penalty corner of the match to seal the 3-1 victory and guarantee a historic win for Pakistan.

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The prestigious match was supervised by a highly qualified panel of officials. Elite umpires Harun Rashid and Yasir Khurshid managed the on-field disciplinary duties, while Muhammad Javed served as the Technical Officer. Waqas Ahmed and Mirza Javed fulfilled their responsibilities as match judges.

The event also saw the presence of Technical Delegate Shafiq Bhatti, Umpire Manager Faiz Muhammad Faizi, Media Coordinator Muhammad Waqas Sheikh, PHF Camp Coordinator Lt. Col. (R) Abdul Nasir Akhunzada, and Chief Coordinator and Operations Najeeb Khattak, alongside other notable sporting dignitaries.

For the first time in the country’s sports history, the complete official details and statistics of a domestic-hosted fixture were published directly onto the International Hockey Federation’s Tournament Management System, representing a major leap forward in digital compliance and international recognition.

The high-octane clash drew a distinguished crowd, including the chief guest, Inter-Provincial Coordination Federal Secretary and Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani. Alongside him was South Korean Ambassador Park Kijun, who witnessed the intense sporting rivalry firsthand.

The second Test of the four-match Test series will be held at the same venue on Saturday.