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 said 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.

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.

Tauqeer 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.