Abdul Hanan Shahid, a 16-year-old Pakistani hockey player, will make his international debut against Japan in the Asia Cup’s third match in Jakarta, Indonesia.
According to the source information, Hanan Shahid has been added to the playing eleven just after team’s senior player, Abu Bakar Mehmood, has been left out due to injury but will not take part in much important clash against Japan.
Pakistan’s hockey squad has been performing excellently in the present Asia Cup, having tied the match against India in the final minute and then thrashing Indonesia 13-0.
Pakistan has a solid chance of making it to the top four stages, but if they lose against Japan, India would have to beat Indonesia by a large margin to continue further in the tournament.
Pakistan will also be hoping to secure a spot in the semi-finals in order to qualify for next year’s World Cup. The top three teams who have not yet qualified for next year’s Hockey World Cup will be invited to compete in the mega event.
