INDIA MEET PAK IN FINAl AFTER 32 YRS, WINNER FlIES TO RIO
Is this the resurgence of India and Pakistan hockeyIJ Well, that is difficult to say but one thing is certain that the two erstwhile superpowers of the game have stepped up in terms of their performance by reaching the 17th Asian Games men’s hockey final, to be held at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium here on Thursday, after 32 years.
Apart from the historic rivalry between the two, what makes it a high-stake game is the fact that the winner will get a direct entry into the 2016 Olympics.
Though Pakistan beat India in the well-fought pool match 2-1, they won’t be entering the final as favourites. Rather it will be as intense as it is always expected to be with both the teams putting their everything in line to win the most important match of their lives in recent times.
India and Pakistan played their last Asian Games men’s hockey final way back in 1982 Asian Games, New Delhi. In that match, Pakistan thrash India 7-1 verdict after which the then goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi and the panic-stricken deep defense was chastised.
The two-time gold medalists India are seeking to win their first gold medal since 1998 Bangkok Asian Games where they beat South Korea 4-2 on penalties. India had last entered the summit clash in 2002 at Busan where they lost 3-4 to hosts Korea.
They have never made it to the gold medal contest since then and yesterday’s 1-0 semi-final victory over Korea has once again put them back in the reckoning for gold after 12 years. Pakistan, on the other hand, are the defending champions who are gunning for their ninth gold in the competition since 1958 when hockey made its debut in Tokyo.
Pakistan, who have won eight gold medals in the competition since 1958, are the defending champions as they won the gold medal in 2010 Guangzhou Asians Games beating Malaysia 2-0.
“We have made our entry into the final and our organisation and performance will be put to the highest test. Pakistan has their strengths and we will be working hard to capitalise on our strengths and put counters to theirs.
“This game will be a different contest to the round game. I believe we have the capacity and abilities to produce a quality performance at the right moment in the tournament,” Indian coach Terry Walsh said.
Once again Sardar would be the fulcrum at centre half and try to create more chances for the forward line that has failed to impress so far in the tournament and have wasted numerous scoring opportunities. The defense, however, has done well by holding up the major threats from the opposition.
Pakistan, who have a speedy set of goal poachers, apart from penalty corner hitters in captain Imran Muhammad and Irfan Muhammad. They also have a good goalkeeper in Imran Butt, who saved their day against Malaysia in the second semi-final with a splendid display in the penalty shoot-out. On Thursday, however, it will be as about holding the nerves as putting up a good performance.