LAHORE: Pakistan youngsters will take on Oman’s juniors in their first encounter of the four-match series at the National Hockey Stadium Lahore here on Friday (today). “The series between the two countries will also see return of international hockey to the country after six years,” a spokesman for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said on Thursday. He said the Oman Hockey Federation had requested the PHF for a series with their juniors. “We agreed to play the series against them prior to the Boys Under-18 Asia Cup. We are sure this series is going to provide much needed practice to our youngsters ahead of the important event,” he added. Two of the four matches will be played at night under floodlights. “A wonderful action packed outdoor entertainment awaits sports lovers in the city of Lahore and adjoining areas,” he added. The official said that the federation was trying its best to provide all necessary facilities and practice to the youngsters as it believed they were the real asset of the country. The 4th Boys Under018 Asia Cup Hockey, to be held under the auspices of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), will roll into action on September 24 at Dhaka, Bangladesh. Seven teams, split into two pools will be vying for the continental cup crown in the youth meet. Hosts Bangladesh have been placed in Pool A alongside India and Oman, while Pool B is comprised of Pakistan, China, Chinese-Taipei and Hong Kong. South Korea and Malaysia, who are winners and runners-up, respectively of the last edition of the tournament held in Singapore in 2011 are not participating in the event this time. Pakistan will play their first match against Chinese-Taipei on September 24, while in their second contest they will clash with China on September 25. They will play their third match of against Hong Kong on September 27. The final of the event will take place on September 30. Schedule 1: September 16 (starts 4:30 pm) 2: September 17 (starts 8:00 pm) 3: September 19 (starts 4:30 pm) 4: September 20 (starts 8:00 pm)