By Urdu Report Editorial Team
India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in Group D of the Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands, knocking Pakistan out of the tournament.
The match on Wednesday marked the first meeting between the traditional rivals in 16 years. India made an aggressive start and dominated the game with attacking moves, scoring five goals to maintain control.
Pakistan struggled to match India’s intensity but managed to score three goals during the second and third quarters. However, defensive shortcomings prevented the team from making a comeback.
India crucial points
The victory gave India crucial points, while Pakistan’s defeat ended its hopes of reaching the next stage of the tournament.
The Hockey World Cup, organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and being jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, began on August 15 and will continue until August 30.
Pakistan had played two matches before facing India. The team lost its opening match against England, while its game against Wales ended in a 3-3 draw.
India had also played two matches, losing to England but defeating Wales.
According to the International Hockey Federation, Pakistan and India have played 65 matches against each other so far. Pakistan have won 25, while India have recorded 31 victories, with nine matches ending in draws.
Pakistan and India’s Hockey World Cup Rivalry
Pakistan and India first met in hockey in 1956.
Pakistan remains one of the most successful teams in international hockey, having won the World Cup four times. Only Australia, Germany and the Netherlands have also won the tournament three times.
However, Pakistan’s recent decline in international hockey has been evident, with the four-time world champions returning to the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
India, meanwhile, have won the Hockey World Cup only once.
India claimed their first World Cup title in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur after defeating traditional rivals Pakistan in the final.
Since then, India have not reached the semi-finals of the Hockey World Cup.
