Shining star Faizan Janjua emerges in the 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Hockey Cup
The 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Hockey Cup at Muscat, Oman went to plan with India emerging as champions at the end of the event by beating Pakistan in the final. Though the familiar stories played out, a new star did emerge for Pakistan, its goalkeeper Faizan Janjua. And it wasn’t just that Faizan stole the limelight but also cemented his position as the future of hockey in Pakistan.
The Tournament That Rewrote Expectations
Ranked ninth in the FIH junior rankings, Pakistan entered the match with pro gamers who had already graced the countrywide team. Vice-captain Sufyan Khan, the 2024 FIH Rising Star of the Year, topped the scoring charts with 12 goals, whereas captain Hannan Shahid persevered to shine as the team’s great forward. But the actual revelation of the event was once Faizan Janjua, who delivered standout performances and gained hearts.
In the pool matches of Pakistan, Faizan’s abilities have been tested against an aggressive Malaysian side. His fundamental saves pushed Pakistan to a 4-1 victory, preventing a semi-final showdown with India. Faizan’s brilliance continued in the semi-final against Japan, where his timely interventions turned the tide in favor of Pakistan, securing a 4-2 win. Despite a 5-3 loss to India in the final, Faizan’s heroics averted a large margin, solidifying his popularity as a rising star.
From Gujar Khan to International Glory
Faizan Janjua’s journey started in this tiny city of Gujar Khan just some distance from the capital Rawalpindi. As Faizan confesses, he and brothers always spent their time taking up the game as “My father used to play with us on the floor in front of our house.” Motivated by the father, siblings were enlisted in a local club team then to the prestigious academy under the PHF.
Initially, Faizan enjoyed as a ahead for his club, but he was attracted to goalkeeping through the consciousness goalkeepers gained throughout matches. This attraction led him to take the role seriously, even learning on the sidelines with his brother Nauman, who played for the Pakistan Navy team.
The Turning Point: Dar Hockey Academy
In 2017, Faizan watched Dar Hockey Academy (DHA) on Facebook. Despite the fact that his father had issues about being far from home in Lahore, Faizan still chose to join the academy as it was the turning point for him. “We don’t just eat hockey but breathe hockey,” he states. With great coaches and top-class gear and trainings, Faizan really took in his skills at rocket speed.
Under the mentorship of Waqas Butt, a former junior worldwide goalkeeper, Faizan realized the nuances of modern-day goalkeeping. His dedication paid off, incomes him a spot in Punjab Blues for the 2017 PHF Under-16 Boys National Hockey Championship, the place his heroics led the crew to an surprising victory.
Overcoming Challenges and Rising Through the Ranks
Faizan’s ride has no longer been except setbacks. His preliminary overall performance at the Junior Asia Cup in 2023 noticed him benched all through the final, and his inclusion in subsequent tournaments positioned him at the bottom of the pecking order. However, Faizan’s resilience and work ethic ensured he saved bettering. His home profession additionally flourished, taking part in for the re-established Customs hockey team, which completed 0.33 in the 2023 nationals and received the junior country wide championship later that year.
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