LAHORE: Chief selector Samiullah Khan believes Pakistan can challenge India and Spain in the upcoming FIH Pro League provided the national side tightens its defence and avoids conceding early goals.

Speaking to Dawn on the sidelines of the two-day trials at the National Hockey Stadium on Tuesday, the former Olympian said Pakistan’s chances against India would largely depend on how well they coped in the opening phase of the match.

“India used to be among the top four teams in the world, though now they are ranked eighth,” Samiullah, famously nicknamed the “Flying Horse”, said. “Their strategy is to gain an advantage in the first 15 minutes. I will advise head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan and his coaching staff to strengthen the defence, including the goalkeeping department.”

“If we succeed in preventing India from taking an early lead, then we will have a chance of beating them,” he added.

Samiullah, however, stopped short of predicting certain victories against either India or Spain.

“There will be chances of victory against India and Spain, but nothing can be taken for granted,” he said.

Highlighting the intensity of Pakistan-India encounters, Samiullah said such matches were fought as much mentally as physically.

“Whenever we play India, it is not only a contest on the field but also a battle of mental strength,” he remarked.

Pakistan will face Spain and Belgium in the first leg of the third round of the FIH Pro League in Belgium from June 13 to 20 before taking on India and England in the second leg in England from June 23 to 27.

While describing Belgium and England as formidable opponents, Samiullah remained optimistic about Pakistan’s prospects against Spain and India.

Pakistan are featuring in the Pro League for the first time and endured a difficult start, losing all their matches in the first two rounds against Argentina, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

Despite the setbacks, Samiullah expressed hope that the team would improve with exposure at the highest level.

“Hopefully Pakistan will give every team a tough time in the Pro League and also perform well in the FIH World Cup later this year,” he said.

The World Cup is scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands in August.

The chief selector said the ongoing trials, featuring 34 players, would help narrow down the squad for the next phase of the training camp.

“Around 17 players from this group will be retained for the next camp,” he said. “Another 17 players, who are currently playing league hockey abroad, are expected to join the camp within the next three days.”

He added that final trials for the Pro League squad were likely to be held before Eid-ul-Azha.

“Hopefully, before Eid-ul-Azha we will conduct the final trials and announce the national team for the Pro League matches,” he stated.

Asked about head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan’s long-term target of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Samiullah said Pakistan’s immediate objective was qualification for the Games through a strong performance at the Asian Games.

“Our target is to qualify for the Olympics and, for that, Pakistan need to reach the Asian Games final,” he said.

Samiullah also stressed the importance of improving Pakistan’s international ranking.

“I hope this round of the Pro League helps Pakistan break into the top 10 rankings because better performances in events like the World Cup and other major tournaments are essential,” he noted.

The former captain expressed concern over Pakistani players participating in what he termed low-profile leagues in countries such as Hong Kong, Italy and France.

He argued that players would develop their skills more effectively if they featured in stronger leagues in Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

“If our players compete in leagues in Germany, Australia or Holland, they will be in a much better position to improve their game,” he said.

Samiullah, however, was encouraged by the talent on display during the trials.

“Some of the probables appearing in these trials have shown genuine skill, which proves that talent still exists in the country,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026