ISLAMABAD: Pakistan produced a stunning second-half fightback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test of the four-match FIH-sanctioned bilateral hockey series on Saturday, surging to a commanding 2-0 lead and putting one hand on the series trophy.
🏑🇵🇰 Pakistan beat Korea 3-1 to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series! 🔥
Abdul Rehman (33′)
Abu Bakar (52′, 60′)👏 Another commanding performance by the Green Shirts! 💚🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/BSbqGdbnvm
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) August 1, 2026
After a cagey first half that saw both teams struggle to break through each other’s defences, South Korea drew first blood in the 30th minute when Sun Din converted a field goal to send the visitors into the interval with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The goal momentarily silenced the home crowd at Islamabad’s hockey stadium, raising concerns that Pakistan might struggle to break down a disciplined Korean defence.
However, whatever was said in the home dressing room during the break worked wonders. Pakistan emerged with renewed energy and intent, launching wave after wave of attacks that left the South Korean defence scrambling.
The equaliser came just three minutes after the restart when Abdul Rehman found the net with a well-taken field goal in the 33rd minute, shifting the momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour.
The home side continued to press relentlessly and was rewarded in the 52nd minute when captain Abu Bakar Mahmood converted a penalty corner with clinical precision to put Pakistan ahead 2-1.
Mahmood struck again in the dying moments of regulation time, converting another penalty corner to seal a convincing 3-1 victory and sparking wild celebrations among players and spectators alike.
FT: Pakistan 3-1 Korea
Second consecutive win for Pakistan hockey team in the Test series in Islamabad. Captain Abu Bakar scores a brace! 👏🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/fHU6GxOEfH
— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) August 1, 2026
Mahmood’s two-goal performance earned him the player of the match award.
Governor Kundi graces occasion as hockey revival gains momentum
The match was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi as the chief guest, who witnessed the contest from the stands and later praised the performance of both teams during the post-match ceremony.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a commemorative shield to Governor Kundi, who described the successful hosting of international hockey in Pakistan as an encouraging sign for the revival of the sport in the country.
Read Also: Abu Bakar Handed Captaincy as Pakistan Hockey Looks to Rebuild After Pro League Nightmare
“Matches like these remind us why Pakistan was once the undisputed king of world hockey,” Governor Kundi said. “The passion, the skill, and the determination displayed by our players today are a testament to the immense talent we possess. I am confident that with continued support, Pakistan hockey will reclaim its former glory.”
Read Also: Pakistan’s Hockey Excellence at the FIH Nations Cup — and the Long Shadow of Decline
Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board, Yawar Hussain, also attended the ceremony, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting the national hockey team.
