Indo-Pak sub-continental rivalry set to light up CWG hockey competition

A sporting clash which is never short of political undertones, India and Pakistan will be up against each other in their Commonwealth Games hockey opener here tomorrow -- a match touted as the blockbuster showdown of the preliminary stage.

"We start favourites," declared India coach Sjoerd Marijne after his two-time defending silver-medallist team's practice session here today.

More than the politics though, Marijne was concerned about the high temperatures in Gold Coast for their Group B match.

"It's really hot, 28-29 degrees and we play at 2:30pm (Local Time), so, that will be difficult circumstances. That's why we have to stay calm for ourselves," he said.

Also he doesn't want his side to panic if an early goal doesn't come along.

"If it is happening, it is good, if not then we have to be patient. Let the ball do the work."