CHENNAI: In a much-anticipated clash, Pakistan is gearing up to take on India in a thrilling encounter at the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy held in Chennai, India.
Scheduled for today (Wednesday), this match promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and determination as both teams vie for supremacy on the field.
The stakes are high for the Green Shirts, who must secure at least a draw in this pivotal match to secure a spot in the semi-finals. In contrast, India has already solidified its position among the top four teams in the tournament. With the intensity of the competition at its peak, all eyes will be on the outcome of this match.
The big day is here! A new chapter will be added to the historic rivalry of India & Pakistan, as the teams face off in the final match of the group stages of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy today!
🏑 – India vs Pakistan
⏰ – 20:30 IST
📲 – Follow LIVE on https://t.co/71D0pOq2OG pic.twitter.com/K9fF5UC7ed— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) August 9, 2023
Interestingly, Pakistan’s journey to the semi-finals could also be influenced by the performance of other teams. A Japan victory over China in the day’s opening match could automatically propel Pakistan into the next stage. Similarly, a loss for Korea against Malaysia might work in Pakistan’s favour, potentially making goal difference a decisive factor, especially if Japan manages to defeat China.
As the dust settles after four games, Pakistan finds itself in the fourth spot on the points table, accumulating a total of five points. This tournament holds immense significance for both Pakistan and India, as they each boast three Asian Hockey Champions Trophy titles, making them the most successful contenders in the event’s history.
Last pool game remaining. Here's how the teams stand in the pool table.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HACT2023 pic.twitter.com/3MhWRMVskv
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 8, 2023
Looking back, it was Korea who emerged victorious in the 2021 edition of the tournament, securing the title after a nail-biting showdown against Japan that culminated in a penalty shootout in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
With all six participating teams engaged in a round-robin format, each side will play five matches to establish their standing. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for August 11. Anticipation is building as hockey enthusiasts around the world await the climax of this exhilarating championship. The grand finale is set to take place the following day, promising a culmination of talent, teamwork, and passion on the hockey pitch.
Schedule of remaining matches
August 9 — Wednesday
Japan vs China
Malaysia vs Korea
India vs Pakistan
August 11 — Friday
Fifth place game – Fifth in group vs Sixth in group
Semi-final 1 – Second in group vs Third in group
Semi-final 2 – First in group vs Fourth in group
August 12 — Saturday
Third place game – Loser semi-final 1 vs Loser semi-final 2
Final – Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2
