India’s focus unchanged despite Pakistan’s exit.

Sardar Singh urges the team to focus on the title at home.

Former India hockey captain Sardar Singh has downplayed Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Asian Champions Trophy, insisting that their absence will not affect India’s campaign. He emphasized that India’s recent dominance over its arch-rivals- winning 15 to 20 consecutive encounters, shows the team should not be distracted by who is missing, but should stay focused on the competition ahead.

Pakistan was initially slated to participate but later pulled out after requesting that their matches be moved to a neutral venue. Singh clarified that this was a matter between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Asian Hockey Federation, and India should not let such developments divert attention from its own objectives. “We know we have consistently beaten Pakistan. Our priority now is to perform against the five teams that are here,” he said.

Singh highlighted India’s standing as Asia’s top-ranked side, stressing that the team’s ambition must be to play high-quality hockey and secure the trophy. He believes the squad’s confidence should come from their proven record and current form, not the absence of a familiar rival. For him, the challenge is maintaining consistency and ensuring India capitalizes on the advantage of playing at home.

The tournament carries added significance for players from Punjab, a region steeped in hockey tradition. Many members of the current squad began their journeys in Jalandhar and surrounding areas, and Singh feels playing in front of home crowds will provide extra motivation. “I hope that they deliver excellent hockey and win this trophy for the country,” he remarked.

While Pakistan’s absence removes one of the sport’s most anticipated rivalries, Singh insists that India’s approach must remain unchanged. The former captain believes the team has a golden opportunity to showcase its strength, delight supporters, and add another title to the nation’s hockey achievements. For India, the path forward is clear: focus on their own game, harness the energy of home support, and aim to lift the Asian Champions Trophy.