PR Sreejesh vows to beat 'low-grade' Pakistan hockey team as tribute to Indian soldiers

New Delhi: Post the terror attack in Uri, there is tremendous tension not just at the India-Pakistan border but also in both countries.

Following the dastardly act, the Indian public wants the Narendra Modi government to take action in some form or the other against the perpetrators, which are reported to have originated from Pakistan.

There are protests against Pakistani actors in Bollywood, and also pressure on state governments to cancel concerts featuring artistes from across the border.

The BCCI too has ruled out playing a bilateral series against Pakistan in the foreseeable future.

Considering the sentiments prevailing in the country, India's hockey captain PR Sreejesh too on Wednesday acknowledged the sacrifice made by Indian soldiers at the borders.

Though he didn't specifically mention the Uri attack, he vowed to beat Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia next month.

"India-Pakistan match brings a lot of excitement to the table. We want to give hundred per cent. We don't want to disappoint our soldiers by losing, especially when they sacrifice their lives in the exchange of fire at the borders," Sreejesh told PTI.

The celebrated goal-keeper also added that Pakistan are playing low-grade hockey at the moment.

"They are now playing totally a lower-grade hockey. That is what I feel. But they (Pakistan) have a strong mental attitude. They can beat any team anytime. That is their specialty. We are better placed than Pakistan as we have been playing against top teams around the world. Pakistan on the other hand failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in their history," Sreejesh further added.

India will take on Pakistan on October 23 in their round-robin match in the tournament to be played among the top six teams in the continent.