New Indian Express: India favourites, but pressure will have final word: Ex-players

By Swaroop Swaminathan

CHENNAI: “A small puja,” Adam Sinclair says. “That’s the one thing I can remember straight away.”
The former India international in hockey was asked whether there used to be any sort of superstition the team would follow before an India – Pakistan match. “I think puja was performed by one of our trainers, praying nobody would get injured and we would go on to win the game. It was very small scale in nature and that’s the only pre-match ritual the team used to do.”

The conversation is about Sunday’s encounter at the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan (Malaysia) and it’s interesting to note how Sinclair approached this game. It wasn’t any other match for him. “Definitely wasn’t (like any other game). There was always something happening – whether cross-border tension (like now) or some (diplomatic) talks or a match with lots of talking points. In that sense, it was always special.”

Dilip Tirkey, former India captain, concedes those matches were special, with both sides going for the jugular. “India have the upper-hand considering their recent improved showings at the Olympics and Champions Trophy. We also have a very good record against the Asian sides. Rupinder Pal Singh will be key.”

Tirkey felt pressure when he was playing in these sort of encounters but claims it’s only natural. “It is the most watched event, irrespective of the sport. The history the nations share in hockey makes the match a must-watch. Both sets of players will be under tremendous pressure and everyone will go all, considering the pride of the nation is at stake.”