Bajwa expects Pakistan to retain Asia Junior Cup title

SINGAPORE: Defending champions Pakistan will play their first match in the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament meeting Brunei here today.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Asif Bajwa believes that the U18 Pakistan team is in very good form and therefore he expects them to retain the title of Asia Junior Cup, which started Friday in Singapore.

“Expectations are high from the junior team and we are hoping that they would defend Junior Asia Cup title successfully. Our young lot is very talented and moreover they have been working very hard for the Junior Asia Cup, which strengthen our hopes further of their successful show in the event once more,” PHF secretary Asif Bajwa told PPI.

Pakistan U18 team had won the last edition of Asia Junior Cup in Yangon, Myanmar two years back.

The former Olympian said that it is a very important event for the young player and would serve as a door to them for entering the senior team, provided they perform well.
Pakistan junior team will start their title defending campaign from June 19 when they play their first match of the event against Brunei.

“We are working hard on the junior team as they are the future of Pakistan hockey. We believe they are the most important lot,” Asif said.

“They (junior players) have worked very hard and have gone through extensive training camp under our qualified coaches. They are now in good momentum and eager to display their brilliance in the event,” he said.