Pakistan junior hockey team not nervous about playing in India: coach

New Delhi: Pakistani players had to return without playing a single match in Hockey India League (HIL) early this year but their junior team is not 'nervous' about coming to India for the upcoming World Cup and is expecting good support from the fans during the tournament.

Nine Pakistan players were sent back from the country in January during the HIL due to simmering tension at the border. Pakistan coach Mazur ul Hassan hoped that since the two arch-rivals are not in the same pool, fans would appreciate their game in other matches.

Pakistan are placed in pool A alongside Germany, Egypt and Belgium while India are in pool C with Canada, Korea and Netherlands for the December 6-15 event.

"Our players are not nervous. It's an FIH tournament and everyone wants to focus on the game only. On the basis of my experience of playing in India, I can say that good hockey will be encouraged. Our team can expect good support from the crowd as we are not in the same pool with India," Hassan told PTI-Bhasha from Lahore where the preparatory camp is being held.

Hassan, a member of Pakistani team during the 1982 Asian Games, said playing in India will be a memorable experience for his team. "The beauty of hockey still lies in India and Pakistan. Artificial turf and new rules have ruined it partially but still you can admire the beauty of the game when India and Pakistan are playing. India has glorious past in hockey and produced legends. It will be a memorable experience for youngsters to play there," he said.

Captain Mohammad Umer Bhutta said the players are excited about playing in India. "The atmosphere is same in both the countries as far as hockey matches are concerned.

"I have seen a packed stadium in Delhi during the India-Pakistan match in 2010 World Cup and I hope that it will be repeated if both the teams face each other in the junior world cup," said the striker who also played during 2010 Commonwealth Games, London Olympics, Champions trophy and recently Asian Champions trophy in Japan where Pakistan won gold medal.