Salalah. Buoyed by two impressive wins, the Indian team will look to maintain that momentum in their next Pool A match of the Junior Men’s Hockey Asia Cup as there is no room for any letdowns against arch-rivals Pakistan.
India defeated Chinese Taipei by 18.0 in the first match. After this, Japan was defeated by 3.1. India’s real test will be against Pakistan, who have defeated Chinese Taipei by 15.1 and Thailand by 9.0.
Indian captain Uttam Singh said that his team’s morale has increased after two victories but admitted that the match against Pakistan will be tough.
He said, “We have started the tournament strongly and we will come against Pakistan with the same attitude. Our confidence has increased from the first two wins.”
Pakistan is also a strong team and this match will be equal. Uttam said that India’s defense is capable of facing Pakistani attacks. However, we have faced such challenges in the past and we are confident that we will not let them score.
Since the year 2011, the two have met seven times in the Junia Asia Cup, out of which India has been victorious five times and Pakistan has recorded one victory. One match has been a draw. India’s head coach CR Kumar said, “Playing against Pakistan is always challenging.” However, we have prepared well and focusing on that will give us a good result.” India have to play Thailand on Sunday.