New Delhi: An India-Pakistan hockey clash
meant an emotional roller-coaster and adrenaline rush once
upon a time. But former players feel the charm has faded with
the dwindling standard of the game in both the nations.
The two sides will face off in a World Cup match for the
first time since 1986 this Sunday and though the anticipation
is there, former players say it's nothing compared to the fan
frenzy they were witness to in their playing days.
The arch-rivals have played against each other four times
in the World Cup and the record aptly stands 2-2 given the
rich history of hockey in both the nations.
India won the 1973 semifinal and the historic 1975 final
in Kuala Lumpur to clinch their only title.
Four-time world champions Pakistan won the 1971 semifinal
and the inconsequential 11-12th classification match in 1986,
their last face off on the mega stage that the World Cup is.
"In our time, an India-Pakistan hockey match was full of
emotions. It was a matter of prestige for both the countries
and there was intense public pressure on the players. We used
to consider it as the most important game of our career and so
we had to give our best," Aslam Sher Khan, a member of the
1975 World Cup-winning team, said.
"Whenever India played Pakistan, it was the talking point
in the whole nation. Millions of people would follow the game
and would want to know what happened in the match. Such was
the rivalry of the two countries in hockey."
"The artistry of stick work, the dribbling, it was
something special for the two sides. India-Pakistan hockey
match used to be followed even by Europeans as it was a lesson
to them then. So it used to be a big match," Aslam said.
The legendary Dhyanchand's son Ashok Kumar, who scored
the winning goal in the 1975 World Cup, said the game is
followed by core supporters nonetheless.
"The core hockey fans still follow India-Pakistan matches
keenly. Emotional attachment is still there but we are playing
very few matches against each other," he said.
Aslam also said the face-offs between the two nations,
which have far and few now, have only added to the lack of
interest among the fans.
"The popularity of the game has gone down in both
countries after our time. We have not played each other in the
semifinal or final of a top hockey tournament. Naturally, the
emotional aspect has gone down," added the former full-back
who scored an equaliser against Malaysia in the dying moments
of 1975 semifinal for India to win the match in extra-time.
The bitterly-fought 1975 World Cup final in Kuala Lumpur
was marred by controversy with India scoring the winner
through Ashok Kumar after both sides were 1-1. The Pakistanis,
under Islahuddin Siddiqui, vehemently protested the decision
of the referee who took some time to award the goal.
Outside the World Cup, the two sides were involved in
some memorable matches, one being the final of the Asian Games
in 1982 when Shahbaz Ahmed Senior wrecked havoc to hand India
a 7-1 humiliation in front of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The last time India played against Pakistan was at Salta
in Argentina in the Champions Challenge I with the latter
walking away with a 6-3 victory.
Pakistan would be aiming for their fifth World Cup title
-- first after their 1994 triumph -- while India would be
looking for their second crown.
Some former players and experts feel that the quality of
hockey had gone down in both the countries in the last couple
of decades.
"The quality has gone down and so has the number of
match-winners in both countries. But still an India-Pakistan
match is something special. The players of both countries
produce their best when faced with each other. That will be no
different on Sunday," Aslam said.
"India-Pakistan match will set the tone for the
tournament and it will be tough for the losing side (to
progress to the semifinals)," added Aslam, who was chairman of
ah-hoc selection committee after the dissolution of erstwhile
Indian Hockey Federation.
The much-waited match will be crucial for sides for their
progress to the knock-out round as they have been clubbed in
Pool B along with European Champions England, last edition
runners-up Australia and Spain, besides South Africa.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 26, 2010, 19:05