KAKAMIGAHARA, Japan: Pakistan began their Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a convincing 3-0 victory over China at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
The young Pakistan side took control of the match from the outset and never looked back, producing a disciplined performance at both ends of the field to secure all three points in their opening Group B fixture.
Muhammad Usman opened the scoring in the sixth minute, giving Pakistan an early advantage after a bright start.
The lead was doubled five minutes later when Adeel finished a superb field move to put the Green Shirts firmly in command.
Pakistan’s aggressive start left China struggling to gain momentum as the South Asian side dictated the pace of the contest.
China attempted to fight their way back into the match and earned a penalty corner in the closing moments of the first quarter.
However, Pakistan’s defence stood firm to preserve the two-goal cushion.
The remainder of the match saw Pakistan maintain control despite occasional pressure from their opponents.
China were awarded two more penalty corners in the final quarter but failed to convert either opportunity.
Pakistan continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack and eventually added a third goal in the penultimate minute.
Yasir Salman successfully converted a penalty corner to complete a comprehensive victory and seal a memorable start to the tournament.
Pakistan move to top of Group B
The result lifted Pakistan to the top of the Group B standings on goal difference ahead of Bangladesh. Both teams have collected three points from their opening matches.
Pakistan will return to action on Sunday when they face Malaysia in their second group-stage fixture at the same venue.
Their final Group B match is scheduled against Bangladesh on June 3.
Pakistan squad
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.
