The City of Chennai in India is pulling out all the stops as it prepares to host the Asian Champions Trophy starting on Thursday.
The Champions Trophy is one of the biggest hockey competitions in the Asian block of countries.
Chennai, once the hockey hub in Asia, is gearing up to welcome international hockey teams after over 15 years.
In the round-robin stage, the host nation is pitted against South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan and China.
India VS Pakistan
Although India will face its BRICS counterpart, China, in the first game on Thursday, all eyes are on the highly anticipated match against Pakistan scheduled for 9 August.
The two countries have a complex and largely hostile relationship rooted in many historical and political events, most notably the division of British India in August 1947.
The India–Pakistan border is also one of the most militarised international borders in the world.
Hockey fanatics expect defending champions South Korea to bring the heat to this tournament, but there will be stiff competition from last year’s runners-up, Japan.
Both teams have already touched down in Chennai.
