After the Indian Women's Hockey team clinched the Gold Medal at the South Asian Games 2016 on Thursday, and it will now be the Indian Men's Hockey team's turn to emulate a similar feat on Friday.
India take on historical rivals Pakistan in the final of the Men's Hockey tournament at the Maulana Md. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium in Guwahati.
Mandeep Antil is the captain of the Indian side that features a lot of junior players. While most of the experienced Indian hockey players ply their trade in the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL), India coach Roelant Oltmans had no option but to field a second-string team.
To be honest, India have not been very good in the group stages. While the Indian colts got past Bangladesh with a 4-1 scoreline in their South Asian Games 2016 opener on Feb. 7, they lost 1-2 to Pakistan in the following group game, and made their chances of making it to the final bleak.
However, drag-flicker Gaganpreet Singh continued his exploits in the tournament to inspire India to a 3-0 win against Sri Lanka in the final group game, to make it to the final, and set up a mouthwatering clash with arch-rivals Pakistan.
The Pakistan Men's Hockey Team, coached by Rehan Butt, look the clear favourites to win their third South Asian Games title on the trot. They defeated India in the 2006 South Asian Games final in Colombo as well as the 2010 South Asian Games final in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, India have to really muster up all their strength and determination as they set their eyes on another Hockey Gold. While their defensive frailties were exposed against Pakistan in the group game, their attacking frailties were also exposed against Sri Lanka in the following group game. And those areas need to be answered.
In just a few hours we will be abel to find out if Gaganpreet Singh can emulate Ritu Rani from the Indian Women's Hockey team. She scored thrice to help India thrash Sri Lanka 10-0 in the finals on Thursday.
Where to watch live
South Asian Games 2016 Men's Hockey final: India vs Pakistan is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. IST on Friday, Feb. 12.
Viewers in India can catch the match on DD Sports. Radio commentary of the event will be available on AIR FM Gold.
The live scores of the game will be available on the official Hockey India twitter handle.
Live streaming options for other countries:
In Pakistan: Geo Super.
Sri Lanka: MTV Sports.
Bangladesh: Gazi TV.
Afghanistan: Lemar TV.
Nepal: Kantipur Gold.
