Madras, Sept 30: Rousing welcome for victorious Indian hockey team. The Indian hockey team which won the Asia Cup was given a traditional welcome in southern Madras in the early hours of Monday (September 29). India claimed the title in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (September 28), beating arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2. The win got India an automatic berth in the 2006 World Cup.
Indian coach Rajinder Singh attributed the win to total commitment of the players. "We have qualified for the world Cup. Two works we have done in a row and totally it was commitment by the players," he said. Indian captain Dhanraj Pillai told reporters that his team mates dedicated the title to their injured colleague Jugraj Singh who is recovering after a car accident.
"All my players played this tournament for Jugraj Singh. When this incident happened, all the players were there to see Jugraj Singh. Each and every member of the team said that this Asia Cup will be dedicated to Jugraj Singh," Pillai said.

Jugraj, India's drag flick expert, is recuperating after he was severely hurt in a car crash early this month. Singh has been ruled out of action for at least three months.


Cricket and hockey matches between the two neighbours raises passions in both countries owing to long-standing political tensions over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.


Bureau Report