Karachi: Pakistani players and officials have been told to keep their emotions in check when they face archrivals India in the Asian Champions Trophy match at Kuantan in Malaysia on Sunday.
“Given the existing tensions between the two countries at every level we have asked our players to not only avoid statements on the match but also keep calm and cool no matter what the result of the match,” a top official of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said.
Sunday’s fixture is the 166th match between the two countries. Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Khawaja Junaid says the encounter against India will be the showpiece match of the Asian Champions Trophy and his side will provide an exhibition of attacking sub-continental hockey. “An India-Pakistan hockey match is always a game of emotions,” said Junaid, asserting that these popular encounters “showcase skills that attracts millions of spectators to the sport.”
“Hockey’s popularity has a lot to do with the India-Pakistan matches. We promise to give a good display against India tomorrow,” said Junaid. 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,” he said.
