The wait is over, India Pak match is here
There is a lot of buzz about the upcoming India v Pakistan match today at 21.30 hrs.
A 2000-odd capacity stands have been completely sold out, and estimated reports say that as many people have returned disappointed from the ticketing counter at the Stadium. This is first time ever since the sporting facility created on the eve of last Asian Games that the hockey stands will be full for any match.
The locals profess that more Pakistan fans will throng the stadium claiming that there will be less support for India from the stands.
The ticket figures is not a small number considering the ground reality here in Qatar where the sport has no visibility at all.
India being the only undefeated team here after three matches, expectations are built up back in India for a good show against the arch rivals. However, Indian team is unfazed, remain cool and stay counted.
Captain Sardara Singh, speaking exclusively to www.stick2hockey.com, sounded confidence and did not take the crowd support seriously. .
“Our players are experienced ones. They have played under pressure on many occasions. Even it doesn’t matter to us if public is present or not. Our job is to play and therefore we will play according to our plan and strategy,” the confident captain said.
Sardar was largely rested against Oman yesterday he said, ”Yes, it was an easy game and our tough matches are coming up now.”
“Yes, I will be playing the full match today against Pakistan,” obviously giving an impression how much he relishes a Pak match.
His much younger colleague, also a member of India Junior team, Manpreet Singh is excited about the game.
“It’s a big match today, it’s a tough game and a lot of emotions are also attached to it. We will have to put in more force from our side. I hope we will win,” says the effervescent mid-fielder.
Pakistan Hockey Federation President, Qasim Zia wants to the best team to win.
“India-Pakistan games are what people love a lot. I hope to see a good match. May the best team win the match,” said the former ’84 Los Angeles Gold Medal winner, for Pakistan.
The coach to the Pakistan team, Akhtar RasoolChaudhary, believes in hard-work and prayers.
“India Pakistan teams are alike teams. Witnessing the good performance of Pakistan in the second half of the last match against Malaysia, I pray to God that we will emerge victorious in the match,” says Akhtar Rasool Chaudhary, the coach and former captain of Pakistan national team.
Indian Coach MichaealNobbs remained composed about the game.
“It will be a typical India Pakistan match. It will be a terrific game,” says Nobbs.
All in all, this is one game that everyone has been waiting for.
However, the quote of the day belonged to Pakistan forward Tousiq.
“You don’t play with two Hockey sticks when you play India,” says Tousiq Muhammad, the center mid-fielder for Pakistan.
So, what’s the big thing about the India v Pakistan match? With a big smile Tousiq says, “You can see our game in any match. We put in our best in every match.”