Pakistan will take on New Zealand in a crucial Pool D match of the ongoing FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2023.
The 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup is the 13th edition of the Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup which will take place in Malaysia.
India defeated Pakistan in the final group stage encounter by 4-0 at the Asian Champions Trophy on Wednesday evening.
The Indian team, led by Manpreet Singh, would have wished for a title push, but their hopes were dashed in the semifinal by Japan, who beat them 5-3 on Tuesday.
Japan were devastating on the counter-attacks against India in the last four clash, as they set-up a final date with South Korea. India will play Pakistan for third place.
Harmanpreet Singh, a drag-flicker, was India's standout performer, converting both penalty corners and scoring a brace for the team.
After a thumping win against Bangladesh and a draw in the opening match against South Korea, India made a confident start.
The team was led by Balbir Singh Sr, who had established himself, by that time, as one of the greatest ever hockey players.
India was dealt a heartbreaking 1-0 loss against Pakistan in the final, but it was the fourth successive campaign that they had won a medal.
They had won the silver medal in the previous edition, and three successive gold medals at the three editions before that.