Chinese side to play seven matches during 13-day tour, including fixture against Pakistan’s under-18 team
China’s Guangdong men’s hockey team has arrived in Pakistan for a 13-day tour that will see the visiting side face leading departmental teams and an under-18 squad in a series of matches aimed at promoting international competition and strengthening sporting ties between the two countries.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials warmly welcomed the visiting delegation upon arrival, presenting team members with traditional flower garlands and bouquets.
The tour, will provide Pakistan’s departmental teams with an opportunity to test their preparations against international opposition, while giving coaches a chance to assess players’ tactical discipline, defensive organisation and attacking efficiency.
Guangdong will open its competitive engagements against MPCL at MPCL Hockey Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Tuesday, before facing Pakistan Army at GHQ Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Wednesday.
After a rest day, the Chinese side will meet Pakistan Navy at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Islamabad, on October 23.
The visitors will then travel to Lahore to take on Pakistan Customs at DHA Hockey Stadium on October 25, followed by a match against Pakistan Rangers at the Sports Complex, Narowal, on October 26.
After another rest day on October 27, Guangdong will face Pakistan’s under-18 side at National Hockey Stadium, Gojra, on October 28. The team will conclude its competitive engagements against Pakistan Police at DHA Hockey Stadium, Lahore, on October 29, before departing Pakistan on October 30.
The fixture against the under-18 side will provide young Pakistani players with exposure to a different style of hockey and help them identify areas for improvement ahead of future competitions.
The tour also offers an opportunity to strengthen hockey relations between Pakistan and China and encourage further bilateral exchanges, including reciprocal visits that could provide Pakistani players with valuable experience against international opponents.
Regular international fixtures, combined with a stronger domestic competition structure and sustained youth development, remain important to Pakistan’s efforts to improve its standing in international hockey.
