I was fortunate to witness the India-Pakistan classic here at Busan. Congrats for Indians for their first win over Pakistan at the Asian Games in 36 years. I think last win for India against their arch rivals came at Bangkok under Shakar Laxman in 1962.

It was a thrilling match and has made my trip here worthwhile. The atmosphere before the match was charged and tense. There were a horde of Pakistani supporters crying allah-o-akbar. The Indians, outnumbered, were more subdued.

But after the win, it was har-har-mahadeo and bole so nihal all over. People like Jagdish Tytler (chef-de-mission) and KPS Gill too were hugging other Indians after the win. No other match can thril like an India-Pakistan encounter.

The Pakis supporters resorted to throwing bottles on the Indian players. It was bad in taste. They’re real bad losers. Hope India come up with something exceptional in the final too. Especially Dhanraj Pillay, who wins matches for us time and again.

He was one of the most aggressive of our team members here in that needle match not just on the field, but outside too. Along with his other team mates, he was involseen taking on the Paki supporters. It was something just natural. He then waved the Indian flag vigorously at the centre of the ground, showing the kind of passion he has for the game. Cheers to him.

Later I also saw in television that he kept on wavering Indian flag almost on a hysterical fashion for long, long time. Dhanraj is Dhanraj, he leaves mark of whatever he does. His passion for the game does not diminish. he will be the man to watch. If he wins another match for India, he will be the rare Indian to have two Asiad golds to bedeck his neck. Of course, captain Dilip Tirkey too will have the same honour. I look forward to a great match tomorrow in the final. Let’s see whether India retain the title and win Olympics berth directly.