LAHORE: Pakistan’s women cricket team which clinched the gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, arrived here to a rousing welcome as all the players were profusely garlanded and flowers petals were showered on them for their feat.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh in the final to win the gold medal and retain their title captured earlier at Guangzhou, China four years ago.

Pakistan captain Sana Mir attributed her team’s victory to “collective team effort and hard work of the players”.

“The performance of the entire team was remarkable in the Games and the collective efforts along with hard work of the players ensured our success,” she told reporters after the arrival of the team here on Monday at Lahore airport.

“I congratulate the entire nation on the success and I believe that the victory in Incheon will help in promoting cricket among women,” said Sana.

“We played every match of the tournament with concentration skill and never took any opponent lightly.”

Teams coach Mohtisham Rasheed said the team played to the best of its abilities and won the gold at the Games to do the country proud.

“Our team made gradual progress in the tournament by exhibiting all round performance in every match of the event,” he said.

“Pakistan is rich in cricket talent and due to our strong domestic cricket structure we are having a pool of talented players to fill in places in our national teams.”

All the 15 members of the team said the victory was a gift to the nation from their side.

Published in Dawn, September 30th , 2014