Captains of the Indian and Pakistani teams

Arch rivals India and Pakistan take their rivalry to another level as the two sides clash in the sport of AFL in Bendigo tonight. The division 2 clash is an opportunity for both teams to open their accounts at the tournament, having both lost their previous two matches against a strong German side, and a rapid Japanese side. The contest is likely to be very even, with no clear favourite heading into the match. A cold night is expected, and with rain as a possible factor, the contest is likely to be a tight affair.

Having played two games in the IC17, India are starting to find some form heading into the must win clash. The Indian players were given a really useful light training session earlier in the day by their coach Yasser Hussain, and will look to implement some new aspects to their team performance. Input from Rick Shrowder, Talent Manager at the Norwood Football Club in South Australia, who has also coached the Indian team in IC14 is also likely to boost the Indian overall performance.

Indian Vice Captain Mahesh Tirkey in action against Japan

India is likely to be bolstered by the return of their captain, Sudip Chakraborty. Not only will his leadership on the field be a real boost, but his strong leading presence is going to test the Pakistan defence. The Indian team is also looking upto its Vice Captain Mahesh Tirkey to kick some goals early. If India can consistently deliver the ball to the vice-captain efficiently, Mahesh has the potential to be a real x-factor in this match-up.

The game hosted by Golden Square Football Club from 7:30pm tonight is poised as a real opportunity for either side to claim a big win under lights, and ultimately, bragging rights in the long lasting rivalry between the two countries. Expect the rain and wind to ensure a low scoring and scrappy contest, which will allow the smaller Indian players are likely to thrive. The contest is bound to be fierce, with the loser of this one resigned to bottom spot in the pool.

However it will be international footy that will be the winner at the end of the game with a big crowd expected from the footy enthusiast population of Bendigo and the event being promoted by Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services Inc (LCMS), led by AFL Multicultural Ambassador Abhishek Awasthi.

Thanks to our sponsors Essendon Football Club, Air India, UEC and individual supporters like Mr. Avtar Singh from Craigieburn in Melbourne,  who have helped the team Indian team to come out to Australia and put up a show. And special thanks once again to everyone from Bendigo who helped the Indian team in the lead up to the AFL International Cup 2017.