No competition between India and Pakistan in hockey: Hardik Singh

Indian hockey mid-fielder Hardik Singh, in a candid moment at the India Today Conclave on Friday, mimicked the fighter jet gesture popularized by Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf and declared that the once-fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan in hockey has faded. "Like cricket, no rivalry exists between India and Pakistan in our sport too," Hardik remarked, attributing the shift to Pakistan's prolonged decline in the sport.

India, with eight Olympic field hockey gold medals, has enjoyed a resurgence, securing back-to-back Olympic medals in recent years. In contrast, Pakistan, once a hockey powerhouse with four Olympic golds, has struggled to reclaim its past glory. "Right now, there is no competition only, so there is no point talking about it. There is no doubt in the widening gap," Hardik said, highlighting the stark contrast in the two nations' hockey trajectories.

The 27-year-old mid-fielder pointed to deficiencies in Pakistan’s hockey infrastructure as a key reason for their decline. "I think their federation. Their athletes are quite good, but they are not getting facilities," he noted. He added that Pakistan has not defeated India in hockey since 2014, marking over a decade of Indian dominance. "Since 2014, Pakistan has not won against India in hockey. So, I think like twelve years? Yes, we didn’t lose a match," Hardik stated.

Pakistan’s absence from the recent Asia Cup hockey tournament, held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August to September, further underscored their struggles. India clinched the tournament, securing qualification for the upcoming World Cup, set to be hosted in Belgium and Netherlands from August 14 to 30, 2026.

Hardik’s fighter jet gesture, a playful nod to Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf’s celebration during the Asia Cup Super 4s cricket match against India in Dubai last Sunday, added a light-hearted moment to his remarks. However, his comments reflect a sobering reality for Pakistan hockey, which continues to grapple with challenges while India’s hockey renaissance shows no signs of slowing down.