Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt has shared an update on the national team’s preparations for the upcoming third and fourth phases of the FIH Pro League.
Speaking during a media interaction, Ammad said the training camp is progressing well, with all available players fully involved in preparations for the upcoming European assignments.
He confirmed that Pakistan will travel to Belgium for the third phase of the Pro League before heading to England for the fourth phase.
“Preparations for the third and fourth phases of the Pro League have begun, with the team set to travel to Belgium for the third phase and then to England for the fourth. All players participating in the league have joined the training camp, while Rana Wahid and Abubakar Mahmood will arrive in Pakistan today and join the camp from tomorrow,” Ammad said.
The captain admitted that Pakistan need to correct the mistakes made during their last eight Pro League matches. He said the coaching staff is focusing on the team’s attack, short corners, and overall fitness.
“We are working hard to rectify the mistakes made in the last eight matches of the Pro League. Special attention is being given to improving our attack, short corners, and overall fitness. Under the coaching of Manzoor-ul-Hassan Senior, we are striving to further enhance our performance,” he stated.
Ammad expressed confidence that Pakistan will show an improved performance in the Belgium phase, adding that matches against top international teams have helped the squad gain valuable experience.
“The upcoming third phase in Belgium will see the team perform in an even better way. Playing against top international sides in the Pro League has provided us with valuable learning experiences, which we aim to build on in the next matches,” he added.
Speaking about the Pakistan-India rivalry, Ammad said India are a strong opponent and matches between the two sides are always highly competitive.
“India is a very strong opponent and matches against them are always highly competitive. However, Pakistan also has a strong team, and we will put in our best effort to try and secure a victory against India,” he concluded.
The 2026 Hockey World Cup will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
The tournament will begin with India facing Wales at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
Pakistan will start their campaign against England on August 15 at 10pm PKT in Amstelveen before taking on Wales on August 17.
The highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for August 19 at 6pm PKT.
Sixteen teams, including four-time champions Pakistan, have been divided into four pools. Pool A includes the Netherlands, Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand.
Pool B features Belgium, defending champions Germany, France, and Malaysia. Pool C includes Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa, while Pool D consists of Pakistan, India, England, and Wales.
The final will be played at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium, on August 30.
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