Karachi, Feb 24 (IANS) Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan has said his charges will shrug aside security issues and will go all out to beat old rivals India in their Hockey World Cup opener in New Delhi Sunday.

Shahid Wednesday said his players are completely focussed on the World Cup.

'We are here for world hockey's biggest competition and we want to give our best shot,' said the coach, who is hoping his players begin the 12-nation contest with a bang by beating India in a much-awaited clash.

'It is the biggest match of the event and we are focussed on it,' he said.

Pakistan have beaten India in their previous three clashes last year but Shahid said hosts enjoy a slight edge as they are playing on the home turf.

'Home advantage can be a big plus point in such high-pressure matches,' he said. 'But in a way, India will also be under pressure because of home expectations. That can work in our favour.'

Shahid said the team had its first experience of the brand new synthetic turf at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

'We had our first training session this morning and it went quite well,' he said. 'The turf is nice. It's new but I'm sure it would be ready by the time the competition begins.'

Pakistan trained for a couple of hours Tuesday morning and will hold a similar training session over the next couple of days before taking on Canada in their first warm-up match Thursday.

The Greenshirts will meet defending champions Germany in their second and last practice match Friday. Both the games would be played under lights.

Pakistan had a minor scare Tuesday when their star striker Rehan Butt fell on his shoulder during the practice session. But he walked away without any serious injury.

'Rehan is fine. We are confident that he and the other seniors will do their best because we need them to shoulder our campaign in the World Cup,' said Shahid.