India will clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in the lung-opener of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament, beginning in Breda, Holland, on Saturday.
As always, the India-Pakistan clash is the highlight of the tournament that also features Olympic champions Argentina, Australia, Belgium and Holland.
According to a Hockey India (HI) release, taking on Pakistan, ranked No.13 in the world, India ranked at World No.6 should have no qualms in overcoming the challenge albeit they keep their emotions in check and stick to the game plan.17:20 IST: Just 10 minutes to go for the iconic opening clash of Champions Trophy 2018.17:00 IST: Playing XI for the Indian team announced.16:50 IST: Fact: The last encounter between the two teams was during theXXI Commonwealth Games 2018 wherePakistan held India to a draw.16:45 IST: We are just 45 minutes away from the blockbuster opening encounter of the tournament.16:30 IST: Hello and Welcome to the live updates of the Champions Trophy match between India andarch-rivals Pakistan.Over the past year, India had enjoyed convincing victories over their nemesis right from the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 when they had beaten Pakistan in the final.
This was followed by a double victory in the Hockey World League semi-final in London 2017 and the Asia Cup in Dhaka where India lifted the title after 10 years.
But at the recent XXI Commonwealth Games, Pakistan held India to a draw.Chief Coach Harendra Singh, who took over the post recently, put things in perspective.
"Getting off to a winning start is vital because it sets the momentum for the rest of the tournament.
There will be no room for emotions when we take on Pakistan.
The team will play against them like any other team where we go for the three points," Hockey India quoted him as saying.