Former India hockey captain Sardar Singh has played down the impact of Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Asian Champions Trophy, insisting that India should concentrate on winning the tournament rather than worrying about the absence of their arch-rivals.
Pakistan were initially expected to participate in the competition but subsequently withdrew after seeking to have their matches moved to a neutral venue. Sardar said the decision was a matter between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Asian Hockey Federation and should not distract the Indian team.
Sardar Singh Dismisses Concerns Over Pakistan’s Absence
Sardar pointed to India’s recent record against Pakistan, saying the hosts had won their last 15–20 consecutive encounters against the team.
He said Pakistan’s decision did not weigh heavily on India’s preparations and urged the players to focus on the five other teams participating in the tournament.
The former captain also expressed confidence in India’s standing in Asian hockey, describing the team as the continent’s leading side. He said the objective remained to play high-quality hockey and compete for the championship.
Pakistan’s withdrawal removes one of the tournament’s most anticipated rivalries, but Sardar believes India’s ambitions should remain unchanged. Instead of allowing the absence to become a talking point, he wants the players to maintain their standards against the teams that have travelled for the competition.
Home Advantage Could Motivate India’s Players
Sardar also highlighted the importance of playing in front of home supporters, particularly for players from Punjab, a region with a strong hockey tradition.
Several members of the Indian squad began their hockey journeys in and around Jalandhar. According to Sardar, competing before a home crowd gives these players an opportunity to perform in familiar surroundings and contribute to the national team’s success.
He expressed hope that the players would deliver an impressive performance and win the Asian Champions Trophy for the country.
For India, the tournament presents an opportunity to build on their reputation in Asian hockey and make home advantage count. Consistency, discipline and strong performances against the remaining teams will be essential if the hosts are to achieve their title ambitions.
India’s Focus Remains on the Championship
While Pakistan’s absence may reduce the anticipation surrounding one of the competition’s biggest rivalries, Sardar has made his position clear: India must focus on its own performance.
With five other teams in the tournament, the hosts still face a challenge that requires concentration throughout the competition. Sardar’s message is to approach every match with the same determination and give supporters a performance worthy of a championship-winning campaign.
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