TOKYO: Pakistan made a flying start to their men’s hockey campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Japan on Sunday, thrashing Thailand 9-0 in their Pool B opener.
Pakistan dominated from the start at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, maintaining sustained pressure throughout the match and denying Thailand any meaningful scoring opportunity.
Moeen Shakeel opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Imad Butt doubled Pakistan’s lead in the 12th.
Ahmed Nadeem then scored his first goal in the 20th minute, before Sufyan Khan struck twice from penalty corners in quick succession in the 22nd and 23rd minutes.
Pakistan continued their dominance after the interval, with Rana Waheed Ashraf extending the lead in the 31st minute and Hannan Shahid scoring three minutes later.
Pakistan made a commanding start to their men’s hockey campaign at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, defeating Thailand 9–0 in their opening match in Japan on 20 September.
The emphatic victory gives Pakistan early momentum as the Green Shirts begin their campaign in one… pic.twitter.com/008DUKgL3j
— Pakistan Embassy Japan (@PakinJapan) September 20, 2026
Nadeem completed his hat-trick with goals in the 37th and 43rd minutes to complete Pakistan’s emphatic victory.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation said the team maintained control throughout all four quarters and prevented Thailand from finding the net.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national team and management on the victory and expressed confidence that the side would maintain its winning momentum in their remaining matches.
The result gives Pakistan an ideal start to their Pool B campaign as they seek to progress through the group stage of the Asian Games.
