The India-Pakistan clash on Sunday will be the showpiece match of the Asian Champions Trophy, Pakistan hockey team coach Khawaja Junaid said. Junaid also said that his side will provide an exhibition of attacking sub-continental hockey in the match which is scheduled to be held at 4:00 pm IST on 23 October.
Asserting that Indo-Pak sporting encounters “showcase skills that attracts millions of spectators to the sport”, Junaid said:
An India-Pakistan hockey match is always a game of emotions.
He added:
Hockey’s popularity has a lot to do with the India-Pakistan matches. We promise to give a good display against India tomorrow.
Pakistan Will Have to Tackle Inexperience: Pakistani Hockey Coach
After winning against Pakistan in the 2014 Asian Games final, India automatically qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games. Pakistan however failed to earn a qualification through the Hockey World League, making India the only Asian team featuring in the Olympic men's event in Rio de Janeiro. In their last meeting at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, India thrashed Pakistan 5-1 in Ipoh.
Junaid said his team includes several young players and was relatively inexperienced compared to the Indian rivals.
The inexperience is what we have to tackle. We have just had one international tournament in one year. After the World League Semifinals in Antwerp last year, the Pakistan team’s only outing was the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where we played seven matches.Khawaja Junaid, Pakistani Hockey Coach
Junaid said that two-time defending champion Pakistan would be pitted against a side that had gained a lot of international experience in recent years.
After the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where India finished last in the 12-team event, the Indian team has worked on a five-year plan. Since then, the Indians have played more than 200 matches and their international experience is a reason for climbing up the world rankings.
While India thrashed Japan 10-2 in their opening game, Pakistan suffered a shock 2-4 loss to hosts Malaysia in the tournament opener. Just a day later however, Pakistan prevailed 1-0 over South Korea, who India is scheduled to play on Saturday at 4:00 pm IST.
India takes on Pakistan in a what promises to be a thrilling match on Sunday at 4:00 pm IST. Check out The Quint for full coverage of the match.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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