MEXICO CITY: After Saturday’s [Oct 26] victory, Pakistan wear the crown of world supremacy in hockey which they had more or less forecast soon after their arrival in Mexico. Their brilliant record of winning sequence in the Olympic Hockey Tournament held out great promise for wresting the top honours again from India.

The manner in which the Pakistan players figured in this hockey contest, they have undoubtedly proved that they form the world’s best outfit today. The gold-medal winners Pakistan dominated the exchanges throughout against Australia and enjoyed full control over their opponents.

Australia, who had been encouraged by their victory over title-holders India, put up a determined fight but failed. Their policy of hard and long clearances followed by desperate runs failed to pay any dividend against a planned defensive system from the Pakistan side. Australia had earlier been beaten by France and Pakistan in the group ties showed no nervousness and put up a much better fight in the final for which the ultimate champions were fully prepared.

Pakistan were fully confident of their victory and commenced the match with great determination. Every move they initiated was full of life and promise and generally ended in the rival striking area.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2018

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