Karachi, April 7, 2026: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday announced Olympian Manzoor Ul-Hassan as the new head coach of the national men’s hockey team, ahead of Pakistan’s return to the FIH Hockey World Cup, scheduled from August 15 to 30.
Manzoor, a member of Pakistan’s bronze medal-winning squad at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, replaces former national player Khawaja Junaid, who led the team during the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026.
In a related move, the PHF confirmed Samiullah Khan as head of a full-time selection committee, joined by Naeem Akhtar, Kashif Jawad, Mohammad Khalid, Nasir Ali, and Atif Bashir. Additionally, Ayaz Mahmood has been appointed head coach of the Pakistan junior team, while Qamar Ibrahim will lead the Under-18 squad. The federation clarified that all head coaches will actively participate in the selection process to ensure closer coordination in squad formation.
These appointments come just a month after Pakistan ended an eight-year absence from the Hockey World Cup, securing qualification with a 4-3 semi-final victory over Japan at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
Pakistan’s qualifying campaign included a narrow 5-4 opening win over China, powered by a brace from Rana Waheed, followed by a 5-3 victory over Malaysia and a 4-2 triumph against Austria, with Abu Mahmood scoring twice. In the final, Pakistan fell 4-1 to England, but the team’s performance secured their place at the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
With Manzoor Ul-Hassan at the helm, Pakistan aims to rebuild and make a strong impact on the global stage, combining experience, tactical acumen, and fresh talent from the junior and Under-18 teams.
