Hockey: India shows its class

India reconfirmed their dominance over Pakistan in hockey again. They won 3-1 in the group encounter of the Hero Asia Cup. They finished on the top with all win results. This was India's fifth suc c e s s i v e win at Dhaka on October 15, 2017. T e a m India got a heavy dose of appreciation from local throng of spectators. " E x c e l l e n t effort by the Men in Blue. What a start to a festive s e a s o n putting a big smile on our faces", said Sachin Tendulkar.

Pakistan, four points as of Japan, finished number two because superior goal difference.

The Team India should have won with bigger margin as Pakistan were reduced to nine players in third quarter as two players were out for punishment with 'yellow card'. India did get openings but muffed up many chances. It should not happen. Their team-effort had shown a marked improvement but their shooting left much to be desired.
The team's passion and commitment were far better than what they possessed some months ago. They enjoyed territorial advantages and should have finished 5-1 or 6-1 if they had converted half of the chances that they got.
In cricket, India triumphed over Pakistan in preliminary round but in the Champions Trophy final, the young Pakistan ran over India and Pakistan started regrouping. It was a healthy development but India should not allow this to happen in hockey. In international competition, one cannot lower guard until race is finally won. After fruitful 15 minutes, India went into the lead in the 17th minute through Chinglensana who made the most of the move by Harmanpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh. Pakistan made two attempts for an equaliser but the custodian, Akash Chikte, showed extra alertness in warding off the danger. India had to wait for 27 more minutes before Akashdeep Singh in 44th minute made it 2-0 and Harmanpreet Singh a minute later made it 3-0 to have bigger smile on their perspiring faces. Four minutes later, in 49th minute, Pakistan reduced the lead as Sardar Singh bungled. Ali Shan made it 1-2.
There is every possibility of India and Pakistan play again Super Four and also play final. This means meeting thrice in one Asia Cup. The format does not grant advantage of carrying points of the earlier round. This means that no team can take it easy until final is won.

Test Championship

It is laudable that the ICC is starting a World Test Championship The top nine team will play six series in two years. India and Pakistan should play. The bilateral arrangement have to be resumed. They stand suspended since 2008 after riots in Mumbai.
India break 10 year long and painful wait. They edged out resolute Malaysia 2-1 to become Asia hockey captain. Malaysia defeated Pakistan in the semi-final at Dhaka. Kadambi Srikanth defeated Lee Huan (Korea) 21-10 and 21-5 in 25 minutes at Odense in the Denmark Open Super Series. This was his third super series title.

K.R.Wadhwaney