Asian U18 Hockey5s Championship:
Iran off to flying start with successive wins on Day 1
Iran’s under-18 Hockey5s team got off to a flying start at the Asian Hockey5s Championship, securing back-to-back victories over Iraq and Saudi Arabia on the opening day of the competition in Muscat, Oman.
Competing in its first international tournament, Iran opened its Men’s Challenger campaign with a 5-0 victory over Iraq before delivering the biggest win of the day with a commanding 9-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia, underlining its title ambitions.
Mohammad Pouya starred against the Saudis with a hat-trick, while Kamyar Mohammadnejad and Parsa Rajabi each scored twice. Mohammad Taha Abbasi and Ashkan Zolfaqarkhanian added one goal apiece to complete the rout.
Abbasi was named Player of the Match after an impressive all-round performance.
In the Men’s Elite event, Pakistan defeated host Oman 5-0 victory before maintaining its winning momentum with a 5-2 defeat of Bangladesh, making it two wins from two matches.
India also enjoyed a successful start, overcoming Bangladesh 7-3 in an entertaining contest featuring free-flowing attacking hockey and spectacular goals.
The tournament serves as a qualification pathway for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup.