An India-Pakistan contest in any sport evokes emotions that often go beyond competitiveness. There was a phase in hockey when beating the arch-rivals was celebrated almost like winning a trophy.None of the current crop of Indian players has faced Pakistan in a hockey World Cup before. But they have someone in their corner who knows exactly what such a contest entails.Shivendra Singh, a formidable striker of his generation known as much for his style as his flair with the stick, featured in the last World Cup meeting between the two sides in New Delhi in 2010, which India won 4-1.At the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, the teams will renew their rivalry in a crucial encounter, and Shivendra’s experience could prove invaluable as he helps the players navigate the contest’s emotional intensity.Skipper Harmanpreet Singh stressed the importance of keeping emotions in check on Wednesday after India’s 2-4 loss to England.“We made some silly mistakes, and there are lots of learnings from this match. Against Pakistan, it is important for us to keep our emotions under control,” said the ace drag-flicker.India will start as favourites against a Pakistan side that has struggled to regain even a fraction of its glorious past. Ranked 12th in the world, Pakistan have slipped from being a dominant force to also-rans. Lack of funds, limited scientific and match exposure, federation politics and an inability to keep pace with the changing demands of the game have all contributed to their decline.For the record, India are unbeaten in their last 19 matches against Pakistan, a run stretching back a decade.Their most recent meeting, in the FIH Pro League in June, saw India recover from a one-goal deficit to hammer Pakistan 7-1. That result should provide Harmanpreet and his men with confidence, though a World Cup knockout-like pressure will make Wednesday’s contest a different proposition.The equation is simple. India, with three points from two games, need at least a draw to advance. Pakistan, who lost to England and drew with Wales, must win to stay alive in the tournament.
