Silver winning Indian hockey team returns home

The silver medal-winning Indian men’s hockey team returned home this morning after taking part in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The Terry Walsh-coached side lost the one-sided final 0-4 to world champions to settle for the silver – a repeat of what they achieved at the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

India started their campaign on an insipid note, scrapping past Wales 3-1 before gradually hitting the groove easing past Scotland 6-2. India upper their game by several notches and lost to world number one Australia 2-4 in a well fought game, before going on to drub South Africa 5-2 to reach the semifinals in style.

India, who lost the services of regular skipper Sardar Singh for unbecoming on-field behavior for the semifinal against New Zealand, surprised the higher ranked Black Sticks 3-2 after trailing 0-2 at one stage to set up a final date with Australia, where they finished second best.

India will get some time to recharge their batteries before they take part in the Incheon Asian Games beginning September 19 an event where the winner seals a berth for the 2016 Rio Olympics.