India and Pakistan share nearly half the number of World Cup titles and Olympic gold medals in hockey over the years (see box). But as things stand, neither can be referred to as a powerhouse in the sport, reason being hockey is not currently on a high, both at the grassroot as well as professional level, in both nations. Though Hockey India have done a fair bit in promoting the game and its players, Team India are yet to touch glorious international highs consistently while across the border, the game is in dire straits.

To explain the situation there could be few better than Pakistan hockey legend Shahbaz Ahmed, 50. "India and Pakistan used to be a hot bed for hockey at all levels — school college and senior — not anymore. Blame it on the lack of money in the sport or the lack of international success. At least India have pumped in good money into hockey in the last few years with the franchise-based Hockey India League and through top sponsors entering the fray.