BUSAN, Oct 9: Arch rivals India and Pakistan on Thursday clash in an Asian Games hockey semifinal which is more important for both teams than even the final.

“An India-Pakistan hockey encounter is more important than any other match, even the final,” said Pakistan captain Mohammad Sarwar.

“But a final featuring these two teams would have been better for the tournament.”

Pakistan have an enviable record at the Games, winning the title seven times while India and South Korea, who take on Malaysia in the other semi-final, have won two golds each.

The common continental flair for stickwork makes every encounter between neighbours India and Pakistan a delight to watch, but the passion aroused is because of other reasons.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since bitter partition in 1947 saw thousands dead in commmunal riots while, now, their relationship is soured by the Kashmir issue with India claiming Pakistan backs Muslim militants in the disputed state.

Pakistan denies the claims.

Furthermore, recent missile testing by the two countries has raised fears of an arms race between the two nucleur states.

“The tension of an India-Pakistan match can’t be compared to any other,” said Pakistan coach Tahir Zaman.

“It’s one match both teams want to win desperately to please people back home.”

Any good performance in a contest between these two countries makes a player a hero overnight; defeat brings brickbats.

No one knows this better than Rehan Butt, who knocked in two goals as Pakistan scored a 4-3 win over India after trailing 2-1 in the bronze medal match at the recent Champions Trophy in Cologne, Germany.

“When I went back home after the win at Cologne, people carried me on their shoulders. But I also know people will expect me to do it again and again for them, which may not be possible.”

Tahir is confident that his team will beat India.

“We’ve been playing well in this tournament and after our 6-1 win over Malaysia, I don’t see any any weakness in our side. But we have to be careful in defending penalty-corners as India are strong in that department.”

Indian coach Rajinder Singh felt the two teams were fairly balanced.

“At Cologne, we beat them in the league but lost in the match for third place. I expect a keen contest and can promise a very good game of hockey,” he said.

India and Pakistan used to dominate hockey on the continent until the emergence of South Korea in the 1990s.

In fact, all finals up to the 1982 Asiad in New Delhi were contested between the two countries.

Pakistan thrashed India 7-1 at the 1982 Games, a defeat that still rankles in most Indians’ mind.

South Korea are expected to get past Malaysia in the other semifinal and keep a long-standing record intact - no other team except India, Pakistan and South Korea have ever made an Asian Games men’s hockey final.—AFP