Dar Hockey Academy continues to shine on the national stage

 Dar Hockey Academy continues to shine on the national stage

Asher Butt

LAHORE: Established in 2006, the Dar Hockey Academy (Dar HA) in Lahore has become a cornerstone of hockey talent development in Pakistan. Over the years, the academy has consistently produced players who have excelled on both national and international stages.

Chief patron of the academy and former hockey stalwart Tauqeer Dar in a conversation with The News highlighted some of the academy’s achievements and contribution to the national front.

He emphasized that the academy first made its mark in 2009 when its boys earned national selection for the Under-18 Asia Cup. Since then, Dar HA alumni have been a regular feature in Pakistan's senior and age-group hockey teams, solidifying the academy’s reputation as a hub of excellence.

On Junior Asia Cup representation, he said that the Pakistan team announced for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, features five players from Dar Hockey Academy, demonstrating the academy’s continued contribution to Pakistan hockey:

Identifying the players, he stated: Sufyan Khan (Bannu) has been named Vice Captain of the Junior Asia Cup squad. Sufyan recently earned the prestigious International Hockey Federation's Rising Star of the Year Award, highlighting his exceptional talent.

Rao Aqueel (Khoiwala, Khanewal District): A promising young star.

Faizan Janjua (Rawalpindi): The team’s goalkeeper, known for his agility and game awareness.

Bilal Aslam and M. Waseem (Peer Mahal, Toba Tek Singh District): Dynamic players ready to make their mark.

With a mission to nurture young hockey talent, Dar Hockey Academy has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport in Pakistan. The academy provides comprehensive training, mentoring, and exposure to its players, enabling them to excel at the highest levels, he maintained.

He further added that the inclusion of Dar HA players in the Junior Asia Cup squad is a testament to the academy’s unwavering commitment to fostering future stars of Pakistani hockey.

As the team prepares for the tournament in Oman, he pointed out that the followers of the sport looks forward to witnessing the contributions of these young athletes in elevating Pakistan's hockey legacy.