India Vs Pakistan Hockey Masterpiece : An Inspirational Saga

Hockey duels involving India Pakistan have always been fascinating to witness throwing fierce rivalry which reached crescendo during Champions Trophy held in Amstelveen,Holland in august of 2003.India had a mixed journey in the tournament,they had their moments but then spilled handful of chances at crucial junctures,prime example being the match against the Dutch in which they conceded 4 goals in the last 8 minutes to go down 4-3.

Hence the match against Pakistan was a do die affair as only a big win would ensure them of having a shot at bronze medal playoff.When the two sides locked horns it was evident that the level of intensity was sky high not only among the players but also in the crowd which had come in plentitude. Pakistan drew first blood,in the 15th minute Shakeel Abbasi clinically deflected the ball past goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan to open he scoring.Indians hadn,t yet recovered from the deficit when Pakistani captain Mohammad Wasim exploited chinks in the Indian defence to make it 2-0.Indians were going nowhere which forced coach Rajinder Singh to make tactical changes in the midfield.

Indian forwards pressed on the attack finally getting a penalty corner which was skilfully converted by drag flick expert Jugraj Singh.At half time scorline read 3-2 in favour of Pakistan,with Jugraj again scoring for the second time.The second half was riveting too watch right from the onset with both sides not willing to give an inch.Pakistan once again nozed ahead with a deadly strike from drag flick maestro Sohail Abbas completely bamboozling Indian defence.It looked at that point as if Pakistan would easily run away with the game but there was some twist to follow.

It was now the turn of Indian forwards to come to the fore.Gagan Ajit Singh broke the strangelhold dodging three Pakistani defenders to open his account.If that was not enough his next goal was a gem,he broke the defence to reverse hit the ball at an acute angle to make it 4-4.Indians had been offered a lifeline in the game and they were to make full use of it. By now the crowd was totally behind the Indians lifting their tempo.

Indian players had exuberance written all over them which was evident as the last ten minutes were completely dominated by them.Three goals were scored in the period ,2 coming from stick of Prabjot Singh and 1 from Deepak Thakur.The final scoreline read 7-4 in the favour of Indians.By virtue of this big win ,they qualified for the bronze medal playoff where they would once again meet their arch rivals Pakistan.It was a journey of a remarkable comeback and a never say die attitude,a win truly to savour for every ardent hockey fan.