ISLAMABAD: Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh said Pakistan has the arsenal in their disposal to progress to the next stage of the FIH Champions Trophy to be held in Bhubaneswar, India, from Dec 6.

“I welcome Pakistan team to India. I will take this opportunity to wish them all the best and I hope we have a clash against them in the next stage of the tournament.

“Their team is strong and that they have the capability to beat the rivals in their pool and advance to the next phase of the tournament”, India.com quoted Sardar as saying.

Sardar hoped to face the Pakistan in the knock-out stages of the tournament.

Pakistan are placed in Pool A alongside world champions Australia, Belgium and England, while Pool B comprises host India, Netherlands, Germany and Argentina.

However, Pakistan skipper Imran Mohammad is eyeing at least a last-four finish. “I have been to India before and it's a great feeling to be back.

“While preparing for the Champions Trophy back home, we have been working on our weaknesses that we discovered during the 17th Asian Games.

“Reaching the semi-finals is our main target at the moment. We are also focused on improving our world ranking”, he said.

Pakistan will face Belgium in their tournament opener on Saturday.