Hockey fans can expect a thrilling India and Pakistan clash today in the 13 th
Sultan of Johor Cup at the Johor Hockey Stadium.
This will be the ninth encounter between both teams in the history of the
Sultan of Johor Cup since 2011. The last time both nations played each
other was at the 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Oman, with the Indians
enjoying a 5-3 victory.
However, in the 2023 edition of the SOJC, the Indians defeated the Green
Shirts 6-5 in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in regulation time.
Pakistan head coach Kamran Ashraf said: “When we play against India,
there is a rivalry. We will adopt a different style of play. The most
important point is that we should play disciplined hockey, organized
hockey, and show that we are a good team with a structured hockey
approach.”
He added that the history of India-Pakistan matches at the junior level is
always a touch-and-go affair.
“Matches between India and Pakistan are always tough, very aggressive.
But the time has changed. Both teams have now analysed that we should
follow a disciplined, structured hockey. Yes, during the structured play, we
just control our game, keep possession of the ball. So, these are some things
that we can do.
“In the last six seven months, we didn’t play that many matches against
European teams. India has this advantage as they played in Europe. But we
will come with our best structure, with best disciplined hockey,” said the
former Pakistan international player.
He stressed that the best series they had was matches against Germany in
Lahore and Oman.
“But the time period was so long because we played in February. And now
from February to October is a big gap and we have been just playing against
clubs at home. Our next tournament is the World Cup in India, but we don’t
know what the situation will be next month. We will continue to do our
best.

India’s head coach, PR Sreejesh, said he is satisfied with the way his players
have been playing in the last two matches and wants them to up the tempo
in every match, irrespective of who the opposition is.
“I always tell my players the next match is going to be the next match.
That’s all. We need not worry about names of which team is going to play
against us. That does not matter. You just focus on your duty and play your
normal game,” said Sreejesh.