Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan, India to lock horns today

KARACHI: After two consecutive wins in their first two matches of the Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan is confident of doing well against a strong Indian side in their Pool A encounter in Salalah, Oman on Saturday.

This match is crucial for the Green Shirts to qualify for the semi-finals.

In the first two games against very weak teams, Pakistan defeated Chinese Taipei 15-1 and Thailand 9-0.

These matches gave the debutants some much-needed exposure ahead of the crucial clashes against India and Japan.

A member of Pakistan’s team management in Amman, when contacted on Friday, said the boys are not feeling pressure and are confident and motivated for Saturday’s match.

As far as skill and talent are concerned, Pakistani players are not behind any top team. The players gained a lot of confidence by scoring several goals in the first two games. The players are following the game plan given by the team consultant, Roland Oltmans, who is training them according to today’s requirement,” revealed the member.

“Whatever the boys have learned so far in training and practice matches, they have done well. Drag flicker Sufyan Khan, Arbaaz and forward Abdul Rahman have played well in the first two games,” said the member.

Now their big test will be in the next two matches against India and Japan in which we have to be mentally strong and try to avoid mistakes. India is the fifth ranked team, and even their juniors have received a lot of international exposure.

However, there is hope on Pakistan’s team management.

“Given the strength of the Indian team and the good facilities they get and the international matches, we are not feeling the pressure. Anything can happen at this level. We will go with a big heart. We will also look at their weaknesses. What is marked.” The official added.