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[caption id="attachment_23339" align="alignnone" width="580"] Amidst diplomatic tension India and Pakistan set to fight in U-18 Asia Cup Hockey Championship in Dhaka. Source : Hockey India[/caption] Internet Desk : When the whole nation is fuming after the Uri army base attack by suspected Pakistani militants, a conventional contest will take place when two rivals India and Pakistan will face each other in the semi-finals of the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey championship on Thursday. Both teams have relished success before in the tournament, India was the winner in 2001 and Pakistan had their winning moment in 2009. In the ongoing tournament, the two teams have had a contrasting set of results. Pakistan have surpassed a relatively inexperienced and easy pool like Chinese- Taipei as they beat them in the opening game by 6-1 and China by 6-0 in the next game. After beating the Hong Kong side 14-0 they have ended the primary round as a group champion. India faced a strong challenge against the hosts Bangladesh in the opening game of the tournament as they had lost by 4-5 in what was the most enterprising match according to many critics. Despite losing the first game of the tournament India showed their courage in the second match, as they defeated Oman by 11-0 to open their account in the championship.  Indian forwards Ibungo Singh  , Konjengbam and Dilpreet Singh have been in sparkling form in the tournament with four goals each. At the back, despite the disappointment of the first game, Captain Nilam Sanjeep Xess and goalkeeper Pankaj Kumar Rajak have been standout performers. Speaking about the encounter Coach BJ Kariappa stated the media that, “The traditional rivalry adds a unique flavour to the contest, but we expect that. The boys are focused on the task at hand. Pakistan have been prolific in front of goal, so obviously we will need to tighten up our defensive structure in the game. On the other hand, I don’t think they have had to face an attacking side like ours, with this depth of talent yet, so it will be a challenge for them too.”