Pakistan made a strong second-half comeback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test of the four-match FIH-sanctioned bilateral hockey series, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
The first half was closely contested, with South Korea taking the lead in the 30th minute through a field goal by Sun Din to go into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Pakistan responded quickly after the break with a more aggressive approach. Abdul Rehman scored a field goal in the 33rd minute to equalize and shift the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
The home side continued to dominate, and captain Abu Bakar Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to give Pakistan a 2-1 lead. Mahmood struck again from another penalty corner in the final minute of regulation to seal a convincing 3-1 victory and Pakistan’s second straight win of the series.
Mahmood’s two-goal performance earned him the player of the match award.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi attended the match as the chief guest. He watched the contest from the stands and later praised the performances of both teams during the post-match ceremony.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a commemorative shield to Governor Kundi, who said the successful hosting of international hockey in Pakistan was an encouraging sign for the revival of the sport in the country.
Pakistan Sports Board Director General Yawar Hussain also attended the ceremony.
The match officials included umpires Fahad Ali Khan and Asad Abbas, reserve umpire Muhammad Sajid Raza and video umpire Haroon Rashid.
The technical panel included Technical Delegate Muhammad Shafiq, Umpire Manager Faiz Muhammad Faizi, Technical Official Hamza Tufail, Scoring Judge Muhammad Zahid, Timing Judge Mehboob Javed and Judge Adnan Shahzad. Rawalpindi District Hockey Association President Zaheer-ul-Haq Tahir Shirazi, PHF Camp Coordinator Abdul Nasir Akhunzada, Chief Coordinator of Operations Najeeb Khattak, Media Coordinator Muhammad Waqas Sheikh and other officials were also present.
With victories in the opening two matches, Pakistan now holds a 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series against South Korea and is in a strong position to win the series.
