Rankings Don't Matter Against India, Says Pakistan Hockey Captain
· Sports · Times of India, NDTV Sports, India Today
Pakistan hockey team captain Abu Bakar Mahmood stated that rankings will count for little when his side faces arch-rivals India at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup on August 19. India enters the match ranked higher and coming off a 3-1 win over Wales, whereas Pakistan suffered a 1-4 defeat against England. Pakistan is returning to the World Cup after an eight-year absence, having finished ninth and last in the Pro League campaign. Mahmood acknowledged India's recent achievements, including consecutive Olympic medals, but maintained that his squad has arrived fully prepared. The team also navigated a coaching change prior to the tournament after Dutch head coach Herman Kruis returned home.
Why it matters
The match carries high sporting stakes for the historic hockey rivalry between India and Pakistan on the global World Cup stage.
Read the original report — Times of India
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