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Boys from Dar academy dominate National Junior Hockey

Our Correspondent
Friday, Oct 11, 2024

LAHORE: The recently concluded 37th National Junior Hockey Championships in Islamabad showcased the exceptional talent and training provided by Dar Hockey Academy.

The academy’s impact on the tournament was undeniable, with 23 of its boys representing 10 out of the 16 competing teams. A remarkable achievement was the presence of Dar HA colts in all four semifinalists. Customs, the eventual champions, boasted the highest representation of the academy’s players, with six Dar HA graduates in their lineup.

The final between Customs and Navy ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, leading to a penalty shootout. Dar HA’s rising star, goalkeeper Faizan Janjua, emerged as Customs’ hero, guiding them to victory with his stellar performance.

Dar Hockey Academy’s contribution to Customs’ success extends beyond the players. The winning team’s head coach, Danish Kaleem (a World Cup winner in 1994), manager Irfan Butt, and video analyst Sultan Ashraf are all long-time associates of the academy.

The academy’s founder and president, Olympic gold medalist Tauqeer Dar, is a retired Customs officer with a rich history in the sport. Having won the national title four times in the 1980s while playing for Customs, it was no surprise that the team’s dominance at the recent championships was largely attributed to Dar Hockey Academy’s influence.