LAHORE, Pakistan, 3 December 2004 — Spain’s hockey team relished a “lifetime experience” of driving into Pakistan from India through the Wagah border crossing for this week’s Champions Trophy, coach Maurits Hendricks said yesterday.

“It was once in a lifetime experience,” Hendricks told AFP.

“If someone wants to know about these two great countries India and Pakistan, you have to cross through the Wagah border and my players take this as a positive start.”

Spain, who drew a two-match series in India 1-1 this week, will take part in the six-nation Champions Trophy starting here from tomorrow.

Defending champions the Netherlands, world champions Germany, hosts Pakistan, India and New Zealand are the other teams competing in the annual vent.

The Spanish team had to wait for six hours as they arrived at the Wagah border Wednesday evening when Pakistani guards had closed the gates.

Pakistani authorities had to summon the immigration and custom officials back from their homes to let them in.

“It took a bit longer than we would have liked but let’s not focus on that because my players and I am happy that we gained the Wagah experience after we chose to cross the border,” said Hendricks, who is from the Netherlands.

“We were waved goodbye by the border security forces in India and welcomed by the Pakistan Rangers and for my players it was an incredible experience to have a cup of tea with the Rangers,” he said.

Hendricks, a high profile International Hockey Federation coach, guided the Netherlands to a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics before taking charge of Spain two years ago.

Spain finished fourth in the Athens Olympics in August this year after being thrashed by Australia in the semifinal.

“We have eight changes from our Olympic squad and if we are able to overcome those changes, Spain might be a tough opponent in the Champions Trophy,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate that star players like Eddy Tubao and Paul Amat are not here because of injuries after the Olympics,” Hendricks said.

He tipped the Netherlands as favorites.

“Netherlands are clear favorites after only two changes from their Olympic silver finish and Pakistan in their own ground will be tough, so these teams are the teams to beat for us,” he said.

Eight times Olympic champions India, who made it to the Trophy only after Olympic champions Australia pulled out over security fears, will be the last team to reach Pakistan.

The Netherlands play New Zealand in the opening match, India take on Spain and Pakistan face Germany on the first day of the tournament.

The final will be played on Dec. 12.