Nagoya: Unlike in the past, the gap in quality between the India and Pakistan men’s hockey teams is quite evident. Gone are the days when every tackle, save or attacking move from either side was met with an equal or even better response.
Those encounters made for scintillating viewing, the memories of which remain fresh and etched in the minds of fans.
Fast-forward to 2026, and Harmanpreet Singh-led India, ranked eighth in the world, have more weapons at their disposal to douse Pakistan, who are down to world No. 12. More importantly, captain Abu Bakar Mahmood’s side lacks the sting their predecessors possessed.
The numbers back India’s recent dominance. They have won their last five meetings against their neighbours, with the latest being a 5-3 victory in the group stage of the World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium last month. Pakistan, however, hold the edge in the Asian Games head-to-head record, with eight wins to India’s five, besides three draws in 18 meetings. India, though, had the last laugh in Hangzhou when they beat Pakistan 10-2 for their biggest victory over the latter in international hockey.
As Pool A toppers, India will hope to keep their defence as tight as possible, especially after it was tested repeatedly by Pakistan’s attackers during that World Cup encounter in Amstelveen. Leaking goals in the dying stages of matches is another issue Harmanpreet and Co will be keen to address.
But then again, an India-Pakistan encounter has always been about emotions and little about numbers or form. Come Thursday, expect resistance, tense moments and celebrations that could go well beyond the usual. Coach Craig Fulton and his men will hope to get the job done without any hiccups, seal their place in the final and move one step closer to gold and an Olympic berth.
Rajkumar ruled out
Midfielder Rajkumar Pal has been ruled out after suffering a fracture to his left thumb during India’s final pool match against Bangladesh.
Travelling reserve Nilakanta Sharma is set to replace Rajkumar in the squad.