NEW DELHI, 11 June 2003 — The Indian field hockey team returned to a rousing welcome here yesterday after winning a three-nation tournament in Australia which also featured archrivals Pakistan.
In a scene similar to the kind of reception the more glamorous cricketers get after doing well abroad, fans thronged the international airport and danced to the tune of drums.
The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president K.P.S. Gill was among a host of officials present to welcome the players, who beat Australia 5-3 in the final at Sydney.
India played back-to-back tournaments in Australia, making the final on both occasions. They lost 1-2 to Australia in the final of the first leg at Perth, but only after beating neighbors Pakistan 2-0 in a preliminary league match.
At Sydney, they were held 4-4 by Pakistan in the league but went on to beat Olympic bronze medalists Australia in the final.
This was the season’s first tournament for India, who are due to play in the prestigious Champions Trophy in Amsterdam in August.
Hockey is India’s national game but has been overtaken by cricket in terms of popularity.
