New Delhi, Sept 30: It was an emotional home coming for the victorious Indian hockey team when it met injured Jugraj Singh being treated at a city hospital this morning. "We dedicate the Asia Cup to our Jugraj," declared Indian Hockey Federation secretary Jyothikumaran even as each member of the cup winning team garlanded Jugraj with their individual medallion.

Tears rolled down Jugraj's cheek as he touched the replica trophy captain Dhanraj Pillay presented to him. "Jugraj was part of the team that won the Asia Cup. We did not feel he was out of the team," Pillay said.

"He kept speaking to us everyday over phone, he kept telling we have to beat Pakistan and win the cup," he said.

Coach Rajinder Singh said Jugraj, who suffered multiple fractures from a car crash last month, had great will power which will see him back in action soon. "His slot is still vacant in the team. It is an important position (that of drag flicker) that he played, and we want him to make quick recovery," the coach said.

IHF president K P S Gill was more specific on Jugraj's recovery, saying "he has to play in the Olympics (next August in Athens), he has got the will power to do that.

"In my opinion, he should be back on the field in two-three months." The Batra Hospital, overcome by the emotional outpouring of the hockey team on Jugraj, announced a 100 per cent waiver on the star player's treatment costs besides a Rs 10 lakh cash award for the team itself.

Bureau Report