Rivalry will be at its peak in the Asian Games hockey final when India take on neighbours Pakistan in the gold medal match, with the winner earning a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Rivalry will be at its peak in the Asian Games hockey final when India take on neighbours Pakistan in the gold medal match, with the winner earning a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
India go into this tie with revenge at stake after losing in a closely fought game in the previous meeting between these familiar foes. A 1-2 loss against Pakistan wasn’t enough for Sardar Singh and co. as the young side fought their way back and now are in line for a gold medal berth. The match promises to be of severe intensity and expect some high-flying tackles, fan support and some nervy moments.
If history is to go by, the neighbours last played in the men’s hockey final in the Asian Games way back in 1982 at New Delhi’s Dhyan Chand Stadium where Pakistan emerged with a shock 7-1. But don’t expect this game to have that bearing as both the sides have gone through transition period.
India, who have never made it into a gold medal contest at the Asian Games, will have to rely on their forward line to flush in the goals. The likes of Rupinderpal Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh have to step up to the plate. The midfield duo of Sardar Singh and Manpreet Singh has to be ever present in the middle of the park if they are to thwart away the Pakistan offence. The Terry Walsh-led side have to be wary of the Pakistan players, who might come back strong after their 2-1 win in the group game.
On the other hand, Pakistan will be relying on their speedy set of goal poachers, apart from skipper Imran Muhammad and Irfan Muhammad. Their leading goal scorer, Mohammed Umar Bhutta who notched one of the two strikes against India, will be looking to add many more and take the Men In Green to glory.
A lot is at stake when these two sides meet but India must look upon the likes of Mary Kom and Sarita Devi to boost their morale and deliver a first ever hockey gold!
