Up for challenge: Pak striker Rehan

New Delhi, Feb. 22: Pakistan forward Rehan Butt fired the first warning on Monday saying that “the Green Sticks were more than ready” for the crunch opener against India in the hockey World Cup beginning here this week.

Butt has been the nemesis for India, scoring at will in the recent past.

His hat-trick against the home team in the last encounter between the two teams — Pakistan thrashed India 6-3 in the Champions Challenge I at Salta, Argentina — depicts the kind of form he has been in.

Said Butt on his arrival in the city, “We had some good training sessions before coming here. All the boys are 100 per cent ready to give their best. Playing against India is definitely a big challenge and we are up for it. We will put our best foot forward against all teams and play with a positive mindset.”

The 29-year old also expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements. “Security is an important issue for all teams and their players, but we are quite satisfied with the arrangements made by the Indian authorities.”

Team manager Asif Bajwa added that the team would focus on the game rather than security.

“We are happy with the arrangements for the World Cup. Right from the point we entered India to the team hotel, security has been very tight. The boys are eager to give their best on the field.”

Pakistan skipper Zeeshan Ashraf said the team were geared up for a good show. “For us, our first match against India is very important and I am confident that we will win it to set a platform for a strong showing in the World Cup,” said the Pakistan skipper.

“We are a good team and are looking forward to an exciting tournament. We have come here early to get acclimatised to the conditions,” said forward Shakeel Abbasi.

Age Correspondent