The Hockey Champions Trophy is the International Hockey Federation's most prestigious annual event since 1978. It was proudly founded by Pakistan's Air Marshal Nur Khan; it features the world's top-ranked teams. The Pakistan Hockey Federation started the competition as a men's tournament in 1978. The tournament has been an annual event since 1980 for men and since 1987 for women.

Australia has won the event 11 times while Germany has been successful 9 times in the tournament.

Netherland prevail the title 8 times with Spain having a title to their name on single occasion. Pakistan has been champion of the event in 1978, 1980 & 1994.

Now 2011 is the year and Auckland is ready to host Men Champions trophy where Australia will defend the title. Eight Teams have been divided in two groups.

Group A: Pakistan, Australia, Spain, England

Group B: Germany, Netherland, Korea, New Zealand

Pakistan Hockey team has made their way to Auckland on Saturday, under the captaincy of Muhammad Imran. Green Shirts has to start their battle from Group A which includes the heavy weights like Australia, Spain and England.

Green team is currently ranked at 8 but they are capable enough to beat any side in the world. Confidence will be sky high after becoming Asian champions and beating No.1 ranked side Australia in recent Tri-nation series. Conditions will not be an issue for our lads as they accomplished their previous challenge in Australia which has pretty similar conditions to New Zealand.

However, physical and mental fitness will be tested as they are going to compete some of the great hockey players in the world. Pakistan is not petite of match winners. The fans will look forward to:

Sohail Abass: A renowned penalty corner specialist needs 3 more goals to beat the record of Netherlands’s Taki Takema & become the highest goal scorer in Champions trophy. He has scored 40 goals in 42 matches of the event.

Salman Akbar: A big name in modern hockey and his presence in the squad have an impact on the opponents. Goalkeepers like him are always a crucial life-line for any squad. Fans are expecting an explosive come back from him.

Waseem Ahmad: Ex- captain of Pakistan hockey team is regarded as one of the best left half’s in the world. He was a member of the gold-medal winning Pakistan team at the Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010.

Muhammad Imran: Truly known as a backup for Sohail Abass but still need to cover a long distance. His drag flick has earned him a good reputation as a player.

Muhammad Waqas: A talented right out promises a lot for the future. Although wasn’t able to score many goals but his show in recent tour was impressive.

Shakeel Abbssi:  Striker Shakeel Abbasi was temporarily appointed as captain for the Australian tour. A man with skills and speed is a player to watch in upcoming Champions Trophy.

Hockey followers are palpable to watch an exciting event in coming month. Green team has outside chance due to their unpredictability and critics are rating them a dangerous side.

Former Olympians are ranking high for green shirts as they are capable to beat any side in the world.

Famous Olympian Shehnaz Sheikh is hopeful to see the boys in final four.

‘’Go Green’’