New Delhi, Aug. 18 -- Former India hockey captain and legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said the national side has significantly improved its fitness, game awareness and decision-making, helping it overcome the late-game struggles that once affected matches against Pakistan.

Speaking to JioStar, Sreejesh reflected on the evolution of the Indian hockey team and the India-Pakistan rivalry, saying India has now become more capable of scoring in the final stages of matches.

"Conceding goals in the last quarter or final minutes used to be a problem for us, but that is no longer the case. Now, we are the ones scoring late to win matches," Sreejesh said.

He recalled that India often struggled during the earlier 35-minute-half format, with laps...