There was a time when India v Pakistan hockey matches used to be blockbusters. Currently, they are building blocks for just one side—Pakistan. India’s traditional arch-rivals have come to the Asian Champions Trophy here with a team comprising mostly juniors—14 from the line-up of 20 to be precise with three debutants. So, they are not expecting much from today’s last league encounter with the hosts. “We have a young team and obviously realise that India are a far superior side. They are better than us not just in rankings [India are World No. 4 and Pakistan are 16] but in all other departments of the game too. But our young boys are bold and will play their hearts out,” said Pakistan coach Muhammad Saqlain at a pre-match press conference at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Tuesday.

The last time Pakistan beat India was 15 meetings ago, back in 2016 at the SAFF Games in Guwahati. Since then, India have won 12 and drawn two. The last time the two teams met was at the 2022 Asia Cup in Dhaka with the match ending 1-1.