Spectators are ready to cherish the high-energy contest between India and Pakistan scheduled for April 7, 2018 at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
However, there are many hapless fans who will miss the much-awaited encounter due to an already sold-out session.
It is understood that tickets were sold within two days of being made available, and were perhaps the 'most-wanted' tickets for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Melbourne’s Narain Singh Grewal, who himself is a former national level hockey player, is a die-hard fan of Indian Hockey team.
He didn't want to miss the golden opportunity to see arch-rivals India and Pakistan play 'live' at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, but has had no luck with the tickets.
“I was very excited to travel to Gold Coast to watch this contest but I am still not able to secure tickets.
"I am disappointed to know that tickets were sold in sessions and not for individual matches."
“The afternoon session on 7th April will have two matches on display – India will take on Pakistan at 2:30PM and Australia will face South Africa at 4:30PM.
“So essentially, if Australian fans were quick to grab tickets for their contest, the spectators who wish to watch India-Pakistan will miss the game, and of course the vice versa."
Mr Grewal feels that many India and Pakistan supporters may have missed out on the hockey match which is billed is the clash of the titans.
“It is going to be a high-energy contest. Pakistan’s current coach Roelant Oltmans used to train Indian team. He knows India’s weakness. But at the same time Indians have improved a lot and they have proved their metal against Pakistan in last few matches.
"Both teams have huge fan following in Australia. It's expected to be a game of nerves."
Gold Coast's Multicultural ambassador of the Indian community, Pushpinder Oberoi said that it is an unfortunate situation for the Indian hockey fans.
The current status (‘Exhausted’) of ticket sales for India-Pakistan hockey match. Source: Supplied
"The tickets are sold in sessions and not per match at the hockey centre. So fans will need to deal with this awkward situation.
“There is still a big demand for tickets to India-Pakistan Hockey match. I have sold more than 100 tickets and that happened just within two hours after I made announcement that I’ve tickets for the game.
“I wish organisers could allocate more tickets or find an alternative to avoid this situation.
Jaspinder Takhar who is an Indian-origin hockey fan, lives near the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
On 7th April, 2018, India will take on Pakistan at 2:30PM and Australia will face South Africa at 4:30PM. Source: Supplied
He told SBS Punjabi that he is also struggling to secure tickets to watch India-Pakistan match.
"Let’s see if organisers release another lot of tickets, which seems highly unlikely at this stage.
“This is the game every supporter will want to go to. Most have waited a lifetime for a match like this.
Gold Coast Hockey Centre will host two medal events during the Commonwealth Games, and its 500 permanent seating capacity has been temporarily expanded to 5,000.
Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Labrador QLD. Source: Supplied
In addition to the centre, a third hockey pitch will be used as a warm-up venue for GC2018.
The centre was opened in July 2017 and was delivered at a cost of $16.5 million.
