Pakistan hockey coach Muhammad Saqlain made a strong statement on Tuesday before Wednesday’s game against India in the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai.
"India is not playing structural hockey, but Pakistan is. India is simply playing over fitness," Saqlain said at the pre-match media conference. "Structural hockey is played by Korea and Japan. India has been playing behind the ball mostly and relying mainly on counter-attacking.”
But the Pakistan coach was candid it will be hard for his young side to tame India in their own den at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.
"It's been quite some time since Pakistan beat India in a competitive hockey game. This is a young side consisting of 14 players who have never faced India before," Saqlain said.
Pakistan have yet to qualify for the semis, while India are through.
Meanwhile, India were respectful of their opponents. The semis berth is a major incentive and it could drive Pakistan to play better, said India coach Craig Fulton.
"They are in a very strong fighting position because they need to get results, and they need goals as well. So, we have to match that," said Fulton.
India captain and penalty corner specialist Harmanpreet Singh said that Pakistan are never an easy opponent for India, even though Pakistan are playing much lesser now.
"It (the rivalry) has become a lot more different now. Both were very good teams back then. But it's not that we are winning easily against them (now),” Harmanpreet said. “They have the same mentality, playing styles are same and they also play attacking hockey."
India, thanks to regular participation, are ranked fourth in the world, whereas Pakistan, who compete infrequently, are No. 16. They even failed to qualify in two consecutive Olympics (2016 and 2020) and the 2023 World Cup.
Harmanpreet said India were deliberately opting for a direct shot from penalty corners instead of going for variation. He foresaw this approach being beneficial at the Asian Games.
"As far as the PC is concerned, we are not doing much variation to it and mostly going for a direct shot. I think we can use it during the Asian Games,” Harmanpreet said. “It's important for the drag-flicker to analyse the defenders rushing in. So, it's good learning for us ahead of a major competition.”
