The South Korean national hockey team has arrived in Pakistan for a historic tour that will run from July 27 to August 8. The visit marks another important step in reviving international hockey in the country after years of limited overseas competition on home soil.
During the tour, Pakistan and South Korea will compete in a four-match Test series at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also announced the complete match schedule and the panel of technical officials for the series.
Four-Test Series to Be Played in Islamabad
According to the announced schedule, all four international Test matches will take place at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad.
The opening Test match will be played on July 30, 2026, at 5:15 pm Pakistan time.
The second Test is scheduled for August 1, while the third match will be played on August 4.
The fourth and final Test will take place on August 7, with all matches beginning at 5:15 pm.
The series is expected to provide valuable international exposure for both teams while offering local fans an opportunity to witness top-level hockey action.
Tour Seen as Boost for International Hockey
Officials believe the South Korean team’s visit will strengthen efforts to revive international hockey in Pakistan.
The tour is also being viewed as an important opportunity to promote the country’s image as a safe destination for international sporting events.
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the visit of the South Korean national hockey team is “a historic step towards the revival of the national game in Pakistan.”
He added that the tour would help project Pakistan’s peaceful and secure image at the international level.
Officials Highlight Sports Diplomacy
Federal Secretary and Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohiuddin Wani also welcomed the South Korean team’s visit.
He said the tour would contribute to Pakistan’s sports diplomacy while strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to officials, the Government of Pakistan will provide the visiting team with comprehensive security, protocol and administrative support throughout the tour.
Technical Officials Announced
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has also confirmed the panel of officials for the four-match Test series.
Faiz Muhammad will serve as the International Umpire Manager.
The umpire panel includes Haroon Rashid, Yasir Khurshid, Fahad Ali Khan, Asad Abbas and Sajid Raza.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Shafiq Bhatti has been appointed as the Technical Delegate.
The panel of technical officials and judges includes Hamza Tufail (Peshawar), M. Waqas Ahmed, Adnan Shahzad, Mehboob Javed and Mirza Javed.
Pakistan Eyes Another Step Towards Hockey Revival
The South Korean tour represents another significant moment for Pakistan hockey as the country continues hosting international teams.
Beyond the four Test matches, officials hope the series will strengthen international sporting ties and encourage more overseas teams to visit Pakistan.
With the schedule now confirmed and preparations complete, hockey fans will be looking forward to an exciting contest between two experienced Asian teams in Islamabad.
