The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday withdrew the hosting rights of the Olympic Qualifiers from Pakistan, slated to be held next January. The FIH decision came as a result of the infighting between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the state-owned Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). “The FIH, while taking away our hosting rights, made it clear it was convinced that the sports board and government were not willing to cooperate with the PHF in the successful hosting of the event,” said an inside in the PHF.

The decision has come as a big blow to Pakistan hockey, which had the rights to host an international event after more than a decade. The PHF had picked Lahore as the venue to host the event. However, recent attempts by the PSB to interfere in the affairs of the PHF and bring in its preferred officials into the federation have led to chaos.

Several former Olympians, encouraged by the government’s ministry of inter-provincial coordination and PSB, have been trying to stage a coup in the PHF while trying to get a vote of no confidence passed against the sitting president Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokar and secretary Haider Hussain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-argentina-win-without-lionel-messi-marcelo-bielsas-uruguay-fall-in-ecuador-635457">FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina win without Lionel Messi, Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay fall in Ecuador</a>

The Olympians include Asif Bajwa, Shahbaz Ahmed and Rana Mujahid, who served as secretaries in recent times, with two of them under Khokar.

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The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday withdrew the hosting rights of the Olympic Qualifiers from Pakistan, slated to be held next January. The FIH decision came as a result of the infighting between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the state-owned Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday withdrew the hosting rights of the Olympic Qualifiers from Pakistan, slated to be held next January. The FIH decision came as a result of the infighting between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the state-owned Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). “The FIH, while taking away our hosting rights, made it clear it was convinced that the sports board and government were not willing to cooperate with the PHF in the successful hosting of the event,” said an inside in the PHF. The decision has come as a big blow to Pakistan hockey, which had the rights to host an international event after more than a decade. The PHF had picked Lahore as the venue to host the event. However, recent attempts by the PSB to interfere in the affairs of the PHF and bring in its preferred officials into the federation have led to chaos. Several former Olympians, encouraged by the government’s ministry of inter-provincial coordination and PSB, have been trying to stage a coup in the PHF while trying to get a vote of no confidence passed against the sitting president Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokar and secretary Haider Hussain. Also read: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina win without Lionel Messi, Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay fall in Ecuador The Olympians include Asif Bajwa, Shahbaz Ahmed and Rana Mujahid, who served as secretaries in recent times, with two of them under Khokar. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Big blow! International Hockey Federation withdraws Olympic qualifiers hosting rights from Pakistan

Financial woes&nbsp;continued to trouble Pakistan hockey with the sport's national body now considering withdrawing from the FIH Pro Hockey League, a qualifying event for the 2020 Olympics.&nbsp;

The Pakistan team, which almost missed the 2018 hockey World Cup in India last December due to lack of funds, is scheduled to play its first phase matches of Pro Hockey League next month, starting with the game against Argentina in Buenos Aires on February 2.&nbsp;

The team will have to travel to Australia and New Zealand to play the matches there in the later part of next month.&nbsp;

For the second leg matches, the Pakistan team will have to travel to Europe.&nbsp;

An official source told PTI that PHF was seriously considering withdrawing from the Pro-League because of the fund crunch and this could lead to a two-year suspension of Pakistan from international competitions.&nbsp;

"The PHF has set up a training camp in Lahore for the matches against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. 45 players have been invited but until now no arrangements have been made to cover the expenses of the tours," the official source said.&nbsp;

He said at least 25 million rupees will be required to send the team to Buenos Aires and then to Australia and New Zealand for six matches while the entire 16 matches of the Pro League Hockey (by including the Europe leg) would cost around 70 million rupees.&nbsp;

"The government is not responding to the PHF pleas for funds as was the case when the squad was going to the World Cup in India which was managed through sponsors and some private donations," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan was earlier on the verge of pulling out of the World Cup held in Bhubaneswar in December due to lack of funds but was ultimately saved by a Pakistan Super League franchise owner-businessman who signed a sponsorship deal at the last minute.&nbsp;

A camp attendee in Lahore told PTI that the facilities there were in shambles. He said to cut down costs in the extremely cold weather, the PHF had converted changing halls into rooms and around 12 to 14 players were staying in one hall.&nbsp;

"It is a sorry situation for hockey and most of the players are now considering just returning to their homes as there appears little chances of them getting any daily allowances as well," he said.&nbsp;

Shahbaz Ahmed has resigned as PHF Secretary after the World Cup debacle, as did the team's manager and chief coach. But, PHF President Brigadier (retd.) Khalid Khokar has stubbornly refused to resign despite pressure on him to do so.&nbsp;

"No one knows what Khokar is thinking but apparently he has got a message from the government quarters to resign as they want to appoint a serving top military official as PHF President and bring in a new team to manage hockey affairs," a reliable source said.&nbsp;

Khokar, in the meantime, has appointed Ayaz Mahmood as a caretaker associate secretary and made a former international Saeed Khan as head coach with Danish Kaleem and Rehan Butt to assist him.&nbsp;

Financial woes continued to trouble Pakistan hockey with the sport's national body now considering withdrawing from the FIH Pro Hockey League, a qualifying event for the 2020 Olympics.

Financial woes continued to trouble Pakistan hockey with the sport's national body now considering withdrawing from the FIH Pro Hockey League, a qualifying event for the 2020 Olympics. The Pakistan team, which almost missed the 2018 hockey World Cup in India last December due to lack of funds, is scheduled to play its first phase matches of Pro Hockey League next month, starting with the game against Argentina in Buenos Aires on February 2. The team will have to travel to Australia and New Zealand to play the matches there in the later part of next month. For the second leg matches, the Pakistan team will have to travel to Europe. An official source told PTI that PHF was seriously considering withdrawing from the Pro-League because of the fund crunch and this could lead to a two-year suspension of Pakistan from international competitions. "The PHF has set up a training camp in Lahore for the matches against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. 45 players have been invited but until now no arrangements have been made to cover the expenses of the tours," the official source said. He said at least 25 million rupees will be required to send the team to Buenos Aires and then to Australia and New Zealand for six matches while the entire 16 matches of the Pro League Hockey (by including the Europe leg) would cost around 70 million rupees. "The government is not responding to the PHF pleas for funds as was the case when the squad was going to the World Cup in India which was managed through sponsors and some private donations," he said. Pakistan was earlier on the verge of pulling out of the World Cup held in Bhubaneswar in December due to lack of funds but was ultimately saved by a Pakistan Super League franchise owner-businessman who signed a sponsorship deal at the last minute. A camp attendee in Lahore told PTI that the facilities there were in shambles. He said to cut down costs in the extremely cold weather, the PHF had converted changing halls into rooms and around 12 to 14 players were staying in one hall. "It is a sorry situation for hockey and most of the players are now considering just returning to their homes as there appears little chances of them getting any daily allowances as well," he said. Shahbaz Ahmed has resigned as PHF Secretary after the World Cup debacle, as did the team's manager and chief coach. But, PHF President Brigadier (retd.) Khalid Khokar has stubbornly refused to resign despite pressure on him to do so. "No one knows what Khokar is thinking but apparently he has got a message from the government quarters to resign as they want to appoint a serving top military official as PHF President and bring in a new team to manage hockey affairs," a reliable source said. Khokar, in the meantime, has appointed Ayaz Mahmood as a caretaker associate secretary and made a former international Saeed Khan as head coach with Danish Kaleem and Rehan Butt to assist him.

Fund crunch hits Pakistan hockey yet again, team mulls withdrawing from Olympic qualifier

Doubts over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/here-is-why-pakistans-hockey-world-cup-participation-in-doubt-176181">Pakistan's participation</a> in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation.&nbsp;

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed informed that Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has signed a major sponsorship deal with the PHF which will run till 2020.

The sponsorship deal will cover all international tours of senior and junior national teams as well as domestic hockey.&nbsp;

"It is a big relief for us. Javed Afridi, who owns the Peshawar Zalmi franchise has signed the sponsorship deal to uplift Pakistan hockey on behalf of his company, Haier Pakistan," Shahbaz said.

"Pakistan team is going to India for the World Cup," he added.

Shahbaz, however, refused to disclose the sponsorship amount.&nbsp;

The Hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.

The PHF had earlier warned that if the government didn't give a grant of 80 million rupees it would jeopardise Pakistan's participation in the World Cup.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan-led government had until Sunday not released any grant despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Now we are just waiting for the visas of our players and officials," the PHF secretary said.

The PHF had also sought a loan from the country's cricket board, but the PCB had outrightly turned down the request.&nbsp;

Shahbaz said due to the just-inked sponsorship deal, the PHF would not only be able to send the team to India but also clear the outstanding dues of the players, who have not been paid daily allowances for the recent Asian Champions Trophy and camps.

The last time Pakistan played in Bhubaneswar it qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy in December 2014.

Doubts over Pakistan's participation in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation.

Doubts over Pakistan's participation in the Hockey World Cup have finally been cleared after the owner of a cricket franchise came on board as a sponsor to bail out the cash-strapped national federation. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed informed that Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has signed a major sponsorship deal with the PHF which will run till 2020. The sponsorship deal will cover all international tours of senior and junior national teams as well as domestic hockey. "It is a big relief for us. Javed Afridi, who owns the Peshawar Zalmi franchise has signed the sponsorship deal to uplift Pakistan hockey on behalf of his company, Haier Pakistan," Shahbaz said. "Pakistan team is going to India for the World Cup," he added. Shahbaz, however, refused to disclose the sponsorship amount. The Hockey World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. The PHF had earlier warned that if the government didn't give a grant of 80 million rupees it would jeopardise Pakistan's participation in the World Cup. The Imran Khan-led government had until Sunday not released any grant despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan. "Now we are just waiting for the visas of our players and officials," the PHF secretary said. The PHF had also sought a loan from the country's cricket board, but the PCB had outrightly turned down the request. Shahbaz said due to the just-inked sponsorship deal, the PHF would not only be able to send the team to India but also clear the outstanding dues of the players, who have not been paid daily allowances for the recent Asian Champions Trophy and camps. The last time Pakistan played in Bhubaneswar it qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy in December 2014.

World Cup doubts over as Pakistan hockey finally finds sponsor

Pakistan's chances of participating in the Hockey World Cup received another blow after the country's cricket board, PCB, turned down a request for financial aid to send the national team for the mega event in India beginning November 28.&nbsp;

Pakistan Hockey Federation had sought a loan from the PCB to send the team to Bhubaneswar and clear the outstanding dues of players.&nbsp;

Pakistan's new head coach Tauqir Dar and manager Hasan Sardar confirmed they had spoken to the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and requested him to provide a loan to cover the expenses for the World Cup.&nbsp;

"He was scheduled to meet us on Thursday but due to some urgent issues he spoke to us on phone. He made it clear that the PCB couldn't advance any loan to the PHF since the federation had not returned a loan given to them by the board during the tenure of Lt General (retd) Tauqir Zia in early 2000," said Dar.&nbsp;

Dar said that Mani had minced no words in stating that due to the old loan it was not possible for the board to give a new loan since it had to answer to its financial advisors and auditors. 
"Mani sahib has however assured us he will speak to the government and sponsors to help us overcome our financial crunch," Dar added.&nbsp;

PHF Secretary, Shahbaz Ahmed, also told PTI that the national team's participation in the World Cup was in acute danger since the government was yet to respond to repeated requests from the PHF to release a grant of 8 million Pakistani rupees.&nbsp;

"We have now written directly to the Prime Minister's secretariat for the grant to be released within this week or else it would be very difficult for us to send the team to India," he said.&nbsp;

The World Cup is scheduled in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.&nbsp;

"If we are not able to send the team to India it will not only damage our image in world hockey but we will also face a hefty fine from the FIH," Shahbaz added.

Dar said that they had told Mani to talk to the Prime Minister and if the government wanted they could directly pay the hotel where the Pakistan team will stay for the World Cup and also credit outstanding dues of the players in their individual accounts instead of giving any money to the PHF.&nbsp;

Players have yet to get their daily allowance for the Asian Champions Trophy and the camp set up prior to the tournament last month in Karachi.&nbsp;

To ensure it got visas on time from the Indian High Commission, the PHF has even applied for visas well in advance to avoid any issues later on as two years ago, the national junior team couldn't travel to India for the Junior World Cup for lack of visa.&nbsp;

The camp for the World Cup has however kicked off in Lahore from Wednesday with Dar taking charge as the new head coach and Danish Kaleem as his assistant coach.

Hasan Sardar continues to be the manager and Rehan Butt is assistant coach.&nbsp;

Pakistan's chances of participating in the Hockey World Cup received another blow after the country's cricket board, PCB, turned down a request for financial aid to send the national team for the mega event in India beginning November 28.

Pakistan's chances of participating in the Hockey World Cup received another blow after the country's cricket board, PCB, turned down a request for financial aid to send the national team for the mega event in India beginning November 28. Pakistan Hockey Federation had sought a loan from the PCB to send the team to Bhubaneswar and clear the outstanding dues of players. Pakistan's new head coach Tauqir Dar and manager Hasan Sardar confirmed they had spoken to the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and requested him to provide a loan to cover the expenses for the World Cup. "He was scheduled to meet us on Thursday but due to some urgent issues he spoke to us on phone. He made it clear that the PCB couldn't advance any loan to the PHF since the federation had not returned a loan given to them by the board during the tenure of Lt General (retd) Tauqir Zia in early 2000," said Dar. Dar said that Mani had minced no words in stating that due to the old loan it was not possible for the board to give a new loan since it had to answer to its financial advisors and auditors. "Mani sahib has however assured us he will speak to the government and sponsors to help us overcome our financial crunch," Dar added. PHF Secretary, Shahbaz Ahmed, also told PTI that the national team's participation in the World Cup was in acute danger since the government was yet to respond to repeated requests from the PHF to release a grant of 8 million Pakistani rupees. "We have now written directly to the Prime Minister's secretariat for the grant to be released within this week or else it would be very difficult for us to send the team to India," he said. The World Cup is scheduled in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. "If we are not able to send the team to India it will not only damage our image in world hockey but we will also face a hefty fine from the FIH," Shahbaz added. Dar said that they had told Mani to talk to the Prime Minister and if the government wanted they could directly pay the hotel where the Pakistan team will stay for the World Cup and also credit outstanding dues of the players in their individual accounts instead of giving any money to the PHF. Players have yet to get their daily allowance for the Asian Champions Trophy and the camp set up prior to the tournament last month in Karachi. To ensure it got visas on time from the Indian High Commission, the PHF has even applied for visas well in advance to avoid any issues later on as two years ago, the national junior team couldn't travel to India for the Junior World Cup for lack of visa. The camp for the World Cup has however kicked off in Lahore from Wednesday with Dar taking charge as the new head coach and Danish Kaleem as his assistant coach. Hasan Sardar continues to be the manager and Rehan Butt is assistant coach.

Here is why Pakistan's Hockey World Cup participation in doubt

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India.&nbsp;

Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions trophy when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India.

The FIH had suspended two players, Muhammad Tousiq and Ali Amjad, while Shafqat Rasool was let off with a warning.&nbsp;

Hockey India had ruled out Pakistani players' participation in future editions of Hockey India League (HIL) after the incident.

"Behavioural aspect is very important for me and I have told the players that there will be straight action if any incident of indiscipline happens.&nbsp;

I hope their behaviour will be exemplary this time," Sardar told PTI Bhasha in an interview from Karachi.

"I am told that players were provoked by the spectators otherwise they would not have done that. I am sure my players will not repeat it and will be remembered for their performance. In 2014 also we have had good memories on field when we beat India and Netherlands, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and&nbsp;1982 Asiad gold medallist said.

Sardar, who scored a hat-trick in Pakistan's 7-1 win in the Asian Games final in New Delhi in 1982, said that his experience of playing in India has been extraordinary.

"I have very fond memories of playing in India. We beat India in Asiad final in 1982 but the next day when we went for shopping, not a single shopkeeper took money from us. We have got so much love in India and Indian cricketers and hockey players will say the same for Pakistan. We must continue this tradition of mutual love and respect," he said.

India and Pakistan were declared joint winner in the just concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat after the final was called off due to heavy rains. There were reports quoting Hassan that Pakistan was willing to play but India denied.

When asked about this, he said that his team wanted to play the final but he never blamed India.

"It's not like that. I only said that we wanted to play the final against India and I am sure Indians would have been feeling the same. No player in the world would like to see the final getting washed away like this but realistically play was not possible in such circumstances, said the former captain.

Sardar said India will be among the favourites while Pakistan are also capable of springing surprises in the World Cup.

"India is in good form and reached the final of Champions trophy. They are playing on their home ground which does make a lot of difference. They are practising in Bhubaneshwar and it will also help them, he said.

"We have a tough pool where we will be playing against Netherlands, Malaysia and Germany. We are targeting Germany who have not played international hockey for the last one year. We have beaten Malaysia and can beat Netherlands on our day, said the coach.

He also called for the revival of Indo-Pak bilateral Hockey.

"It will be good for both the countries and the game itself. It will generate interest in the game and new talents can be unearthed," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India. Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions trophy when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India.

Pakistan hockey coach Hassan Sardar has sounded out a warning to his players, saying indiscipline will not be tolerated during the World Cup in India. Pakistan players are gearing up to play in India for the first time after the unsavoury incident during the Champions trophy when they took off their shirts and made obscene gestures after winning their semi-final clash against India. The FIH had suspended two players, Muhammad Tousiq and Ali Amjad, while Shafqat Rasool was let off with a warning. Hockey India had ruled out Pakistani players' participation in future editions of Hockey India League (HIL) after the incident. "Behavioural aspect is very important for me and I have told the players that there will be straight action if any incident of indiscipline happens. I hope their behaviour will be exemplary this time," Sardar told PTI Bhasha in an interview from Karachi. "I am told that players were provoked by the spectators otherwise they would not have done that. I am sure my players will not repeat it and will be remembered for their performance. In 2014 also we have had good memories on field when we beat India and Netherlands, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and 1982 Asiad gold medallist said. Sardar, who scored a hat-trick in Pakistan's 7-1 win in the Asian Games final in New Delhi in 1982, said that his experience of playing in India has been extraordinary. "I have very fond memories of playing in India. We beat India in Asiad final in 1982 but the next day when we went for shopping, not a single shopkeeper took money from us. We have got so much love in India and Indian cricketers and hockey players will say the same for Pakistan. We must continue this tradition of mutual love and respect," he said. India and Pakistan were declared joint winner in the just concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat after the final was called off due to heavy rains. There were reports quoting Hassan that Pakistan was willing to play but India denied. When asked about this, he said that his team wanted to play the final but he never blamed India. "It's not like that. I only said that we wanted to play the final against India and I am sure Indians would have been feeling the same. No player in the world would like to see the final getting washed away like this but realistically play was not possible in such circumstances, said the former captain. Sardar said India will be among the favourites while Pakistan are also capable of springing surprises in the World Cup. "India is in good form and reached the final of Champions trophy. They are playing on their home ground which does make a lot of difference. They are practising in Bhubaneshwar and it will also help them, he said. "We have a tough pool where we will be playing against Netherlands, Malaysia and Germany. We are targeting Germany who have not played international hockey for the last one year. We have beaten Malaysia and can beat Netherlands on our day, said the coach. He also called for the revival of Indo-Pak bilateral Hockey. "It will be good for both the countries and the game itself. It will generate interest in the game and new talents can be unearthed," he said.

Indiscipline will not be tolerated during WC: Pakistan hockey coach

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here.&nbsp;

Heavy rain since evening delayed the start of the final and even though the skies relented later, but by then the damage had already been done.

The turf was completely waterlogged because of the heavy showers and after discussion with both the coaches of India and Pakistan, the tournament director decided to call off the match and declare both the teams as joint winners.&nbsp;

India, thus, remained unbeaten in the tournament having topped the round robin stages with 13 points, courtesy four wins and a draw out of their five games.&nbsp;

Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points.&nbsp;

India had earlier defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the round robin stage. 
It was both India and Pakistan's last international outing before the season-ending FIH men's World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.&nbsp;

For records, India and Pakistan had won the title twice each before the current edition. India came into the tournament this year as defending champions having won the last edition in 2016 after their title triumph in the inaugural edition in 2011.&nbsp;

Pakistan won the title twice in 2012 and 2013 besides finishing runners-up in 2011 and 2016. India too have finished runners-up once in 2012.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan were on Sunday declared joint winners of the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament after the much-anticipated summit clash was called off due to heavy downpour here. Heavy rain since evening delayed the start of the final and even though the skies relented later, but by then the damage had already been done. The turf was completely waterlogged because of the heavy showers and after discussion with both the coaches of India and Pakistan, the tournament director decided to call off the match and declare both the teams as joint winners. India, thus, remained unbeaten in the tournament having topped the round robin stages with 13 points, courtesy four wins and a draw out of their five games. Pakistan ended the round robin stages on the second spot with 10 points. India had earlier defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the round robin stage. It was both India and Pakistan's last international outing before the season-ending FIH men's World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. For records, India and Pakistan had won the title twice each before the current edition. India came into the tournament this year as defending champions having won the last edition in 2016 after their title triumph in the inaugural edition in 2011. Pakistan won the title twice in 2012 and 2013 besides finishing runners-up in 2011 and 2016. India too have finished runners-up once in 2012.

Asian Champions Trophy: India, Pakistan share title as match called off due to heavy rain

India will lock horns with Pakistan in the in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final, after the defending champions eked out a close 3-2 win over Asian Games gold medalist Japan, on Saturday.&nbsp;

The two teams will face off in the final, later in the day. The mouth-watering clash will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.

Pakistan beat Malaysia in the semi-final with a penalty shot, making the score 3-1 to set up the summit clash with the 'Men In Blue'.&nbsp;

The earlier match between the two rivals saw India beat Pakistan 3-1 last Sunday.&nbsp;

India defeated Oman, Japan, South Korea and were held to a goalless draw against Malaysia in their previous round-robin fixtures.

India will lock horns with Pakistan in the in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final, after the defending champions eked out a close 3-2 win over Asian Games gold medalist Japan, on Saturday.

India will lock horns with Pakistan in the in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final, after the defending champions eked out a close 3-2 win over Asian Games gold medalist Japan, on Saturday. The two teams will face off in the final, later in the day. The mouth-watering clash will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat. Pakistan beat Malaysia in the semi-final with a penalty shot, making the score 3-1 to set up the summit clash with the 'Men In Blue'. The earlier match between the two rivals saw India beat Pakistan 3-1 last Sunday. India defeated Oman, Japan, South Korea and were held to a goalless draw against Malaysia in their previous round-robin fixtures.

India, Pakistan face off in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final today

Indian men's hockey team defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday.

This is India's second continuous win of the tournament as earlier team India had outclassed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opening match.

Muhammad Irfan Junior of Pakistan scored&nbsp;team's only goal in the opening minutes of the match&nbsp;to stun team India.

India, however, came back into the match in the second quarter when skipper Manpreet Singh (24th minute) netted the equalizer.

Mandeep Singh scored in the 33rd minute as India took a 2-1 lead.

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FT| A commendable effort by the Indian Men's Hockey Team saw them beat arch-rivals Pakistan by a goal margin of 3-1, in spite of trailing in the first quarter in this blockbuster clash of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 on 20th October.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroACT2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroACT2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/g7sq5mGmVX">pic.twitter.com/g7sq5mGmVX</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1053718566036357120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The lead was further extended 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute.&nbsp;

India took the lead in the 33rd minute through a field strike from Mandeep Singh. The Indians extended their lead to 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute.&nbsp;

India had defeated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-indian-hockey-team-outclass-pakistan4-0-in-tournament-opener-146544">Pakistan 4-0 in the final edition of the Champions Trophy</a> earlier in the year before registering a close <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2018-india-beat-pakistan-2-1-to-win-bronze-in-mens-hockey-162911">2-1 win</a> over the arch-rivals in the Jakarta Asian Games.&nbsp;

Pakistan had defeated South Korea 3-1 in their opening match on Friday.&nbsp;

India will next face Japan tomorrow while Pakistan will play against Oman on Monday.

Indian men's hockey team defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday. This is India's second continuous win of the tournament as earlier team India had outclassed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opening match.

Indian men's hockey team defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday. This is India's second continuous win of the tournament as earlier team India had outclassed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opening match. Muhammad Irfan Junior of Pakistan scored team's only goal in the opening minutes of the match to stun team India. India, however, came back into the match in the second quarter when skipper Manpreet Singh (24th minute) netted the equalizer. Mandeep Singh scored in the 33rd minute as India took a 2-1 lead. FT| A commendable effort by the Indian Men's Hockey Team saw them beat arch-rivals Pakistan by a goal margin of 3-1, in spite of trailing in the first quarter in this blockbuster clash of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 on 20th October.#IndiaKaGame #HeroACT2018 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/g7sq5mGmVX — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 20, 2018 × The lead was further extended 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute. India took the lead in the 33rd minute through a field strike from Mandeep Singh. The Indians extended their lead to 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute. India had defeated Pakistan 4-0 in the final edition of the Champions Trophy earlier in the year before registering a close 2-1 win over the arch-rivals in the Jakarta Asian Games. Pakistan had defeated South Korea 3-1 in their opening match on Friday. India will next face Japan tomorrow while Pakistan will play against Oman on Monday.

India beat Pakistan 3-1 at Asian Champions Trophy hockey

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