Pakistan beat Malaysia 3-0 to secure bronze in U18 Hockey Asia Cup

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan signed off from the Men’s U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 with a bronze medal after defeating Malaysia 3-0 in the third-place playoff at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan, who had exited the title race after a 5-3 semi-final loss to India, started strongly and took the lead in the third minute. Uzair Ahmad struck a field goal early on to put his side ahead and set the tone for the match.

The team maintained control through the opening half despite Adeel being shown a green card late in the first quarter. Pakistan then doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Asam Haider converted a penalty stroke.

The third quarter produced five penalty corners in total, with Pakistan earning three and Malaysia two, but neither side was able to add to the score. Pakistan carried their 2-0 lead into the final quarter before Adeel scored a field goal in the penultimate minute to complete the 3-0 victory.

Pakistan had finished runners-up in the previous edition of the Men’s U18 Hockey Asia Cup last year. In this year’s campaign, they opened with a 3-0 win over China before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Malaysia. They then beat Bangladesh 5-2 to finish top of Group B and qualify for the semi-finals.

Pakistan squad

Pakistan’s squad for the tournament comprised Mustafa Ghulam, Haider Asam (captain), Saeed Muzammil, Asnan Muhammad, Zaman Muhammad, Akbar Hassan, Sami Rana Abdul, Awan Abdullah, Adeel, Zunair Muhammad, Najeeb Muhammad Yahya, Ullah Shahid, Yasin Salman, Qureshi Uzair Ahmad, Ghani Usman, Usman Muhammad, Aslam Muhammad Farhan and Noman.