Hangzhou, Oct 5: The Indian men’s hockey team will have to battle nerves and handle pressure effectively when it takes on defending champions Japan in the final of the Asian Games here on Friday, in its pursuit of reclaiming the gold medal at the continental showpiece after nine years. India last won the men’s hockey gold in the Asian Games in 2014 in Incheon, South Korea and would be gunning for their fourth yellow metal in the quadrennial extravaganza and secure a direct ticket to next year’s Paris Olympics. And going by their form and world ranking, India are clear favourites to win the gold here and add to their nine silver and three bronze medal at the Asian Games. However, the Indians would be very well aware that handling pressure will be the key going into Friday’s all-important title clash. (PTI)
Gold Medal Match at 4pm IST
