ISLAMABAD, July 5: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Monday announced the 20-member national Under-21 hockey squad for the Oman Tour 2026, following successful trials held at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad, marking a significant step towards nurturing young talent and strengthening the country’s hockey future.
The final selection was approved by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, based on the recommendations of the national selection committee headed by Olympian Samiullah Khan.
The committee, which also included Olympians Nasir Ali, Naeem Akhtar, Kashif Jawad, and M. Khalid, conducted rigorous evaluations to identify the most promising young players from across the country.
دورہ عمان 2026 کے لیے پاکستان انڈر 21 ہاکی ٹیم کا اعلان کر دیا گیا
ٹیم کا اعلان نصیر بندہ ہاکی سٹیڈیم، اسلام آباد میں ٹرائلز کے بعد کیا گیا
دورہ عمان کے لیے منتخب ہونے والی ٹیم کی قیادت مایہ ناز اسٹرائیکر حمزہ فیاض کریں گے
سمیع اللہ کو ٹیم کا نائب کپتان مقرر کیا گیا
احسن… pic.twitter.com/lvfyqRhHTo— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 5, 2026
Hamza Fayyaz to lead the young brigade
Star forward Hamza Fayyaz has been entrusted with the captaincy of the national Under-21 side, while Samiullah has been appointed vice-captain for the tour. The leadership duo is expected to guide the young squad through the challenges of international competition and provide valuable on-field direction.
The squad features a balanced mix of talent across all positions, with two goalkeepers, four defenders, five halfbacks, four midfielders, and five forwards selected to represent Pakistan in the upcoming fixtures.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Ehtisham Khan, Ahsan Mahmood
Defenders: Abdullah Farooq, Asam Haider, M. Zain
Halfbacks: Ali Hamza, Ali Raza, Ali Mehdi, Ali Ansar, Samiullah (Vice-Captain), Azir Khan
Midfielders: Saifullah, Muhammad Shehir, Yahya Najib, Humair Arshad
Forwards: Hamza Fayyaz (Captain), Ghulam Mustafa, M. Ahmed, Saif Ahmed, Hassan
Oman Tour 2026: A platform for future stars
The team will now begin preparations ahead of its tour to Oman, where it will compete in international fixtures aimed at testing young talent and building future national strength. The tour is seen as a crucial development opportunity for Pakistan’s next generation of hockey stars, providing them with valuable exposure to international competition.
The selection process, overseen by the esteemed Olympian-led committee, underscores the PHF’s commitment to reviving Pakistan’s hockey glory by investing in youth development and providing competitive opportunities for emerging players.
A step towards hockey revival
The announcement of the Under-21 squad for the Oman Tour 2026 comes at a time when Pakistan hockey is striving to regain its former stature on the global stage. The tour is expected to serve as a vital stepping stone for these young players, many of whom will be representing Pakistan at the international level for the first time.
With a blend of attacking flair in the forwards, solidity in defence, and creativity in midfield, the squad reflects the selectors’ vision for a dynamic and competitive team capable of making an impact in international hockey.
