We stamped our authority against Pakistan in the final: Sardar Singh

Playing against Pakistan is always a do-or-die situation, but at the same time it teaches young players how to deal with pressure, says former India skipper, Sardar Singh.

Victory over arch-rivals Pakistan is always special, said Sardar Singh, the most senior player in the Indian side that won the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan, Malaysia, on Sunday.

India’s hockey team poses with the Asian Champions Trophy on their return to Delhi on Monday. (PTI)

“Playing against Pakistan is always a do-or-die situation, but at the same time it teaches young players how to deal with pressure,” added the former India skipper, who, along with the team, landed in New Delhi on Monday. “We don’t want to lose to them (Pakistan) even in friendly matches.”

When India and Pakistan play, emotions flare up and the game could get rough and physical. However, Sardar revealed that prior to the tournament this time, some of the senior players had decided to bury the past and play fair.

“There were over half a dozen young players in the side this time. If we fight or play on the ground a wrong message would have been sent out and it isn’t good for the future of hockey as well as for the players,” said Sardar.

Sports have the ability to bridge differences, but the sporting relations between the neighbouring countries have been deteriorating with constant tension at the border. The bilateral cricket series has been suspended, among other things. Hockey, another sport that invokes a lot of passion on both sides of the border, have suffered too with the series between the two countries called off.

In 2014, during the men’s Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, some of the Pakistani players got too emotional. After defeating India 4-3 in the semi-finals, Pakistan team members indulged in obscene gestures, directed towards the stands. Those involved were suspended from the final against Germany by the FIH (world governing body), but the incident did send a wrong message out.

“We were a good side then, but wilted under pressure,” recalled Sardar. “It was a good learning experience. This time, we had decided to play our normal game against Pakistan. The result is there to be seen. After that, out of the four internationals we have played, India have won three, including two at the Asian Champions Trophy last week.”

“We held our nerves and played better to stamp our authority,” added Sardar.