Pakistan Hockey Team Arrives in Japan for Asian Games 2026
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Pakistan hockey team has arrived in Japan to participate in the 2026 Asian Games after suffering a defeat against South Korea in their final practice match.
The national side will now focus on its Asian Games campaign, with a strong performance and direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics among its main objectives.
Herman Kruis to Lead Pakistan Team
According to reports, Herman Kruis will serve as Pakistan’s head coach during the Asian Games.
Assistant coaches Adnan Zakir and Bob Veldhof did not join the national squad during its stay in South Korea. However, both coaches are expected to join the team in Japan and work with the players during the Asian Games.
The coaching staff will look to prepare the squad for a demanding tournament featuring several of Asia’s leading hockey nations.
Asian Games Crucial for Olympic Qualification
The Asian Games are particularly important for Pakistan because the tournament offers a direct route to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
If Pakistan wins the Asian Games hockey title, the national team will secure direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics.
However, failure to finish at the top will mean Pakistan will have to compete through the Olympic qualification process to secure a place at the Games.
The national team is therefore aiming to go all the way in Japan and secure its Olympic berth without having to rely on another qualifying tournament.
Pakistan’s Asian Games Hockey Schedule
Pakistan has been placed in Pool B, alongside Thailand, Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia and Oman.
The national team’s pool-stage schedule is as follows:
| Date | Match | Pakistan Time |
|---|---|---|
| September 20, 2026 | Pakistan vs Thailand | 1:00 PM |
| September 22, 2026 | Pakistan vs Uzbekistan | 3:00 AM |
| September 24, 2026 | China vs Pakistan | 3:00 AM |
| September 26, 2026 | Malaysia vs Pakistan | 3:00 AM |
| September 28, 2026 | Pakistan vs Oman | 7:30 AM |
Pakistan will need to finish among the top two teams in Pool B to advance to the semifinals.
Asian Games Hockey Knockout Stage
The semifinals of the men’s hockey competition are scheduled for October 1, 2026.
The gold medal match will be played on October 3, 2026, when the Asian Games hockey champion will be crowned.
For Pakistan, the tournament represents an important opportunity to improve its position in Asian hockey while also pursuing a direct ticket to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Pakistan Targeting Strong Asian Games Campaign
After completing its preparations in South Korea, Pakistan will now turn its attention to the Asian Games competition in Japan.
The national team will be looking to build momentum during the pool stage and progress deep into the tournament. Winning the Asian Games title would not only deliver a major continental achievement but also guarantee Pakistan’s place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
With Olympic qualification at stake, Pakistan’s campaign in Japan is expected to be closely followed by hockey fans across the country.
