Pakistan's withdrawal doesn't matter, we've beaten them 15-20 times: Sardar Singh

Former India captain Sardar Singh has brushed aside Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asian Champions Trophy, saying their absence makes little difference after India's consecutive wins against them. He wants India to focus on winning the title at home.India have been on a winning streak against Pakistan in hockey. (Courtesy: PTI)New Delhi,Oct 26, 2026 13:46 ISTFormer India hockey captain Sardar Singh has dismissed concerns over Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asian Champions Trophy, insisting that their absence will make little difference to India's campaign. Pointing to India's recent record against their arch-rivals, Sardar said the hosts must focus on beating the teams that have arrived rather than worrying about who is missing.Pakistan were initially expected to participate in the tournament but subsequently pulled out after seeking to have their matches shifted to a neutral venue. Sardar said the decision was a matter between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Asian Hockey Federation, and that India had no reason to be distracted by the developments.PAKISTAN'S ABSENCE"No, it doesn't really make a difference to us. You might have noticed that, initially, it was expected that the Pakistan team would participate, but they subsequently withdrew, for whatever reasons. Honestly, this doesn't weigh heavily on us. We are well aware that we have defeated Pakistan in the last 15-20 consecutive matches," Sardar said."This decision was theirs, and it's a matter between the Pakistan federation and the Asian Hockey Federation. Our focus should now be on how to perform well against the other five teams that have arrived." Pakistan's withdrawal means India will not face one of their most familiar rivals during the competition. However, Sardar made it clear that the team's ambitions remain unchanged. India are targeting the title, and the former captain believes their standing in Asian hockey should give them the confidence to approach the tournament on their own terms."There is no doubt that we are the number one team in Asia; our goal is simply to play high-quality hockey," he said. Rather than dwell on Pakistan's absence, Sardar wants India to concentrate on the quality of their performances against the remaining teams. For the hosts, the challenge is to maintain their standards throughout the competition and make their home advantage count.HOME ADVANTAGEThe tournament also carries significance for India's players from Punjab, a region with a rich hockey tradition. Several members of the squad began their journeys in the sport in and around Jalandhar, and Sardar believes playing in front of a home crowd could give them an added incentive to perform."Many players, including several from Punjab, some of whom began their hockey journey in Jalandhar, are now playing in front of their home crowd. My hope is that they play excellent hockey and win this Asian Trophy for the country," he said.For Sardar, the priority is straightforward. India's players have an opportunity to deliver in front of their supporters and add another title to the country's hockey honours.Pakistan's absence may take away one of the tournament's most anticipated rivalries, but Sardar does not believe it should alter India's approach. With five other teams in the competition, he wants the hosts to focus on their own game and give the home crowd a reason to celebrate.- Ends