Pakistan and India will renew their rivalry on Sunday when they clash in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament at Ordus, China. India may be brimming with confidence following their unbeaten run in the league stage of the event particularly after their improbable 2-2 draw against Pakistan in the last league encounter but Pakistan with a blend of youth and experience look much promising.
India were lucky to sneak through to the final when Malaysia defeated a fighting Japan as otherwise it would have been a Pakistan and Japan final. The stage now is set for another thrilling encounter between the traditional rivals. In the group match, India fought back after being 0-2 down as both teams played a cautious game, intent on reaching the final. Sunday should see a thriller as both have everything to fight for. Fans in both the nations would love to see their respective teams win the tournament.
“I was very nervous when we came here,” said Indian coach Michael Nobbs. “But after the match against China, I knew we were good. I am glad that investing in the youngsters has paid off. So reaching the final is not a surprise anymore,” said he. But the Pakistan Hockey Federations tried to downplay the expectations saying their main target is next year’s Olympic Games in London. However, the tension the clashes between the two countries carry cannot be denied and the urge to win would be pulsating in the nerves of the players. Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran does feel the pressure of an India-Pakistan final.
“The public in both the countries wants both their teams to win. Unfortunately, only one nation can win and that adds to the pressure. But we will go all out and ensure that good and attacking hockey in the true Asian style is played,” he said. Nobbs, though, believes that his players will not buckle under pressure of playing Pakistan in the final. “The pressure will be on me,” he says. “It’s my first final as coach of India against Pakistan. The boys are all excited and ready to go for the final,” he added.
Pakistan want young guns to come good
