India and Pakistan are two countries that have always had a fierce rivalry. Much of the political tension and cultural overlap has spilled into sports as well, with the result that India-Pakistan contests are always eagerly awaited and hotly contested.
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While cricket is the most popular sport in both countries, India and Pakistan have also contested a historical rivalry in hockey, primarily in the men's game. Here is how they stack up against each other.
When did India play Pakistan for the first time in hockey?
After the partition of 1947, the newly-formed countries of India and Pakistan met for the first time at the 1956 Olympics. India won the match 1-0 and went on the win the gold medal at the Games.
First-ever @Olympics in the Southern hemisphere, the 1956 Melbourne Games opened today!#ThrowbackThursday to the Indian Hockey Team winning its 6th consecutive Gold🥇at the Games! An invincible #TeamIndia 🏑
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) November 22, 2018
Played 5⃣
Won 5⃣
Goals Scored 3⃣8⃣
Goals Against 0⃣#IAmTeamIndia🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/85nomY5pWV
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What is India and Pakistan's head-to-head record in hockey?
India and Pakistan have played each other a total of 178 times. Pakistan currently lead the head-to-head with 82 wins to India's 64, along with 32 draws.
Pakistan have dominated every decade since the 1960s, although the tide has started to turn. Since 2010, India have won 21 of 38 matches, compared to Pakistan's eight.
Pakistan also have the edge in terms of major tournaments won, with 30 to India's 27. Their latest trophy was the 2018 Asian Champions trophy, shared with none other than India.
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When will India play against Pakistan in hockey next?
The next assignment for both sides is the Asian Champions Trophy, to be held in Chennai from 3-12 August. India and Pakistan are both record winners of the tournament with three titles each, and will both be looking to pull ahead.
They will play against each other in the final round-robin game on 9 August.
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How to watch the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy?
The Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 will be telecast live on Star Sports.
It will be available to stream online, on Fancode. For viewing outside of India, it will also be live streamed on watch.hockey.
