JOHOR BARU: India versus Pakistan – that’s all it takes to get hockey fans all excited.
And it will be no different when defending champions India and arch rivals Pakistan square off in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan will be looking to avenge their 4-0 defeat by India last year. They have also never beaten India in the Under-21 tournament since 2011.
Pakistan team manager Manzoor Ul Hassan said that fans can expect a thrilling game.
“It will be a good match ... we will go all out to get our first win against India in the tournament,” he said.
“We have a new team and the players underwent 12 days of training in Islamabad. Despite their lack of exposure, the players are all fired up.”
Pakistan have only one point after two matches – losing 5-0 to Britain on Sunday before holding Australia to a 1-1 on Monday.
India have three points from two matches – edging New Zealand 2-1 (on Sunday) before losing 2-0 to Britain on Monday.
India coach revealed that they have not lost to Pakistan in Under-21 competitions for the last 14 years.
“I expect my players to bounce back from our loss to Britain and get the better of Pakistan,” said Harendra.
“We are in Johor Baru with a new team but we aim to play well and get the desired results.
“We also need a win against Pakistan to stay in contention for a place in the final.”
Harendra said that the Indian junior team have been inspired by the gold-medal feat of their seniors in the Incheon Asian Games.
India edged Pakistan 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the Asiad after both teams failed to break the 1-1 deadlock in regulation time.
The Asiad gold has ensured India an automatic spot in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
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