Pakistan Set to Host International Hockey Events as China, Canada and European Teams Plan Tours

Pakistan is preparing for a busy period of international hockey, with the country set to welcome several foreign teams over the coming months as the Pakistan Hockey Federation looks to strengthen international activity and revive the sport at home.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said China and Canada have confirmed plans to visit Pakistan, while several European teams are also prepared to tour the country.

According to the PHF president, the arrival of international sides is expected to provide a major boost to hockey in Pakistan and create more opportunities for the national team and domestic players to compete against foreign opposition.

Following Korea’s recent visit, China is scheduled to tour Pakistan in November 2026.

Canada is expected to arrive after the Chinese team’s tour, while three European teams have also expressed their readiness to visit Pakistan.

The PHF believes that hosting these teams will help bring greater attention to hockey while giving Pakistani players valuable international exposure on home soil.

Plans for Major International Tournament

Wani also revealed plans for Pakistan to host a major international hockey competition involving 10 countries.

The proposed tournament is expected to be held in December next year and would represent one of the country’s largest international hockey events in recent years.

The federation is also working on plans for a domestic hockey league next year as part of a broader effort to strengthen the sport’s structure within Pakistan.

The proposed league is intended to provide players with regular competitive opportunities and help develop a stronger domestic pathway for national team selection.

The PHF’s plans come as Pakistan continues to seek greater international activity after years in which the country’s hockey calendar has faced challenges related to funding, organization and international competition.

Champions Trophy Venue Dispute Remains Unresolved

Wani also discussed Pakistan’s request concerning the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy.

The tournament is currently scheduled to be held in India, but the PHF has asked the Asian Hockey Federation to consider moving the competition to a neutral venue.

According to Wani, the final authority to make such a decision rests with the Asian Hockey Federation.

The PHF has formally communicated its position to the continental governing body, but no final decision has yet been communicated to Pakistan.

Wani said the federation understands that international tournaments are governed by established rules and regulations, but maintained that Pakistan has clearly presented its position to the relevant authorities.

The issue remains under consideration as the PHF awaits a response from the Asian Hockey Federation.

Focus on Reviving Pakistan Hockey

The federation’s latest plans indicate an effort to increase the amount of international hockey played in Pakistan while creating stronger opportunities for local players.

Hosting teams from Asia, Europe and North America would also provide Pakistani hockey supporters with opportunities to watch international teams compete in the country.

For the national team, regular home fixtures against different styles of opposition could provide valuable preparation for major international competitions.

The proposed 10 nation tournament and domestic league would further expand the PHF’s plans for the sport.

Pakistan has a long history in international hockey, including Olympic and World Cup success, but the national program has struggled to maintain the level of consistency associated with its most successful eras.

The PHF now hopes increased international activity, stronger domestic competition and regular exposure to foreign teams can contribute to a broader revival.

With China scheduled for November, Canada expected to follow and three European teams reportedly ready to visit, Pakistan could see a significant increase in international hockey activity during the next six months.

The federation’s challenge will be to turn those plans into sustained competition and development opportunities for players across the country.

Courtesy: geo