Bansal confident ahead of Pakistan tie

Ipoh, May 14 (UNI) After two sucssesive wins, India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a much anticipated match in the 17th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey tournament here tommorrow.

India has so far won two matches from four, while Pakistan has been in excellent form winning three while drawing against Argentina. Indian coach Ajay Kumar Bansal was full of confidence before the crucial tie and expects an Indian win tomorrow.

''We have to win tomorrow. If we have to go anywhere near a medal, this win is a must and my boys are aware of this,'' he said.

''I think we will be able to put it across Pakistan.'' However, the match is important for both teams as India is looking for a win for a respectable finish in the tourney. On the other side, a win for Pakistan will take them into the finals.

Bansal also asserted that with the kind of form drag-flickers Sandeep Singh and Diwakar Ram are showing, the Indians have a real chance of beating their regional rivals.

''There is no reason why they cannot be successful on Thursday also?'' he stated.

UNI XC RKM AB KN2007