NEW DELHI, June 10: The Indian field hockey team returned to a rousing welcome here on Tuesday after winning a three-nation tournament in Australia, which also featured arch-rivals 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 beat of drums.

The Indian Hockey Federation 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.

“It has been a fine showing by our team and we hope our players will continue to do well in the coming days,” said Gill.

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 neighbours 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 medallists 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. —AFP