Indian hockey players return home to a low-key reception

New Delhi: The Indian hockey players, who finished runners-up in the just-concluded Asia Cup tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Monday returned home to a low-key reception here.

A handful of supporters were present at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to receive the 18 Indian players and the support staff, including acting head coach Roelant Oltmans. The players, led by Sardara Singh, landed at the IGI Airport at around 9:15pm IST by a Malaysian Airlines flight and they were taken to a city hotel. The players will disperse for home on Tuesday. None of the Hockey India office bearers were present at the airport to receive the players though HI Chief Executive Elena Norman, who had accompanied the team in Malaysia, returned with them. India had lost to South Korea 3-4 in a thrilling final on Sunday. They had remained unbeaten in the tournament before losing in the summit clash against the South Koreans whom they had beaten in the group stage. PTI