ISLAMABAD – Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns with each otherin their Commonwealth games hockey opener on Saturday.
More than the politics though, Insian coach Marijne was concerned about thehigh temperatures in Gold Coast for their Group B match. “It’s really hot,28-29 degrees and we play at 2:30 pm (Local Time), so, that will bedifficult circumstances. That’s why we have to stay calm for ourselves,” hesaid.
Also, he doesn’t want his side to panic if an early goal doesn’t come along.
“If it is happening, it is good, if not then we have to be patient. Let theball do the work.”
The two sides’ last face-off happened eight years ago in the 2010 Delhiedition and it turned out to be a memorable outing for both for contrastingreasons.
The Indians ended up jubilant after slamming seven goals, while thePakistanis were left to agonise after securing just four in that match.
Overall, the record stands 1-1 between the two sides as Pakistan had thelast laugh in the 2006 Games in Melbourne.