Overview
- Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Hardik Singh said there is “no competition” now between the teams in men’s hockey.
- India are unbeaten against Pakistan in their last 10 meetings, with eight wins and two draws reported by recent coverage.
- Hardik attributed Pakistan’s slide to governance and facilities issues, though his claim of India’s last loss in 2014 is contradicted by FIH records noting a defeat in 2016.
- The fighter‑jet gesture echoed a move popularized by Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf during this year’s India–Pakistan cricket clash in the Asia Cup Super 4s.
- Recent context includes Pakistan’s withdrawal from the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir and India’s title win that secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.